The Northern arm of the Christian Association of Nigeria has mourned the death of an Imam who sheltered over 200 chrisrians during bandit attack in Plateau.
The late Imam, who is the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, became popular for his unconventional saviour act beyond religion.
The late Islamic cleric came to the limelight in June 2018, when bandits stormed communities in Barkin Ladi. He permitted his mosque and home to be used as shelter for over two hundred Christians and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life.
His act of offering help beyond religion earned him recognition internationally, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government.
In a statement released by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Saturday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the late Imam’s life reminds us of our shared humanity.
His words,
“He stood firm in the face of danger and chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear”.
“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”.
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing, “The example he set is a reminder that our words must be matched with actions that protect lives and promote harmony”.