President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who passed away at the age of 92. Imam Abubakar, a respected Muslim cleric, died on Thursday night, January 15, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, after battling a heart condition. His passing marks the end of a life distinguished by an act of extraordinary courage and compassion that earned him both national and international recognition.

Imam Abubakar gained widespread acclaim in 2018 when he selflessly risked his life to hide and protect over 200 to 300 Christians during violent communal clashes in Plateau State. During the crisis, as a crowd of people scampered for safety, he opened his mosque and home, providing shelter to those who ran his way. When armed attackers visited the mosque, he bravely denied knowledge of the fleeing Christians' whereabouts, offering them sanctuary until calm returned. President Tinubu highlighted that the Imam’s decision to protect those in danger, despite grave personal risk, profoundly underscored the true essence of faith and delivered a powerful moral message that extended beyond mere sermons or doctrine.

His uncommon bravery earned him significant accolades. The federal government of Nigeria nominated him for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), and he received a personal handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his valour. Globally, his commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony was recognized when the United States awarded him the International Religious Freedom Award in 2019.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the late cleric as an "extraordinarily courageous religious leader whose life exemplified faith, compassion and reverence for human life." The President noted that at a critical time when ethnic and religious divisions threatened social harmony, Imam Abubakar chose peace, humanity, and conscience over fear and self-preservation. President Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate Imam Abubakar’s commendable example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and unity among people of different backgrounds. He concluded by praying for the repose of the Imam’s soul and asked God to reward him for his courage, benevolence, and lifelong service to humanity.