STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
LATE IMAM ABUBAKAR WAS A COURAGEOUS SERVANT OF GOD: PRESIDENT TINUBU
Imam that hid Over 200 Christians in the 2018 Plateau Religious Violence Dies at 92
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has died passed away at the age of 92.
The late Imam Abubakar gained national and international prominence for hiding over 200 Christians in 2018, during the communal strife which ravaged Plateau State.
Imam Abubakar has been discribed by President Bola Tinubu as an extraordinary religious leader, whose lifetime represented a striking testament to faith, courage and a staunch belief in the sacredness of human life.
So says a press statement signed by Mr. Anayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy) on January 16, 2026.
“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence and conscience,” President Tinubu remarked.
“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large. Imam Abubakar is a worthy example of a better human we should all aspire to be,” the President said.
“His act of uncommon bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received local and international honours that celebrated his commitment to coexistence among people with diverse orientations.
” I urge religious and community leaders to imbibe and preach the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful togetherness as expounded in the life of Imam Abubakar.
“May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage,” the President said.
