The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mourned the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Sheikh Abdullahi Abubakar, describing him as a symbol of courage, faith and humanity.
In a statement on Saturday, Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the passing of the 92-year-old cleric marked the loss of a moral beacon whose actions transcended religious and ethnic divides at a critical time in Nigeria’s history.
Imam Abubakar rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 after armed attackers invaded communities in Barkin Ladi. He reportedly sheltered nearly 300 Christians in his mosque and home, refusing to hand them over despite threats to his life. His intervention was credited with saving hundreds of lives and preventing further bloodshed.
His bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government.
Hayab said the late Imam’s life demonstrated that true religion upholds the sanctity of human life, noting that his courage and compassion stood out during a period of intense violence.
“He chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear,” Hayab said, describing the cleric as a leader whose faith translated into decisive and selfless action.
According to Northern CAN, Imam Abubakar’s example remains a powerful reminder of shared humanity and peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines. The association urged religious leaders nationwide to draw lessons from his life by consistently preaching peace, restraint and compassion.
Northern CAN also called on Nigerians to uphold the values of unity and humanity exemplified by the late Imam, stressing that national healing and security depend on 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.
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