The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, describing him as a symbol of courage, faith, and humanity.
The association said the passing of the 92-year-old cleric marked the loss of a moral beacon whose selfless actions transcended religious and ethnic divides at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.
Imam Abubakar rose to national and international prominence in June 2018, when armed attackers invaded communities in Barkin Ladi.
At great personal risk, he opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving nearly 300 lives, and resisted threats to hand them over to the attackers.
His extraordinary bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States government.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Saturday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the late Imam’s life demonstrated that true religion upholds the sanctity of human life.
According to Hayab, the cleric’s courageous intervention at the height of the violence helped save innocent lives and prevented further bloodshed in the troubled community.
“He stood firm in the face of danger and chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear,” Hayab said.
Describing Imam Abubakar as a leader whose faith translated into action, Hayab noted that his life exemplified sacrificial leadership rooted in compassion.
“He was a moral compass in one of Nigeria’s darkest moments. His actions spoke louder than sermons and reminded us all of our shared humanity,” he added.
Quoting the Bible, Northern CAN said, “The memory of the righteous is a blessing,” stressing that the late cleric’s legacy would continue to inspire generations and serve as a model for peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.
The association urged religious leaders nationwide to draw lessons from Imam Abubakar’s example by consistently preaching peace, restraint, and compassion, especially during times of tension.
Northern CAN also called on Nigerians to uphold the values of unity and humanity demonstrated by the late Imam, noting that lasting national healing and security could only be achieved through collective commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The association prayed for comfort for the family of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar and extended condolences to the Muslim community in Plateau State and across the country.
