Northern CAN Mourns Imam Who Saved 262 Christians
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the heroic cleric who saved the lives of 262 Christians during a violent attack in Plateau State.
The Imam, who gained global recognition for his act of courage in June 2018, died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos at the age of 90.
Reacting to the news on Saturday, Northern CAN described the late cleric as a “giant of peace” and a shining example of true humanity. In a statement, the Christian body noted that Imam Abubakar’s actions during the dark days of the crisis in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area proved that love transcends religious and ethnic boundaries.
The association recalled the terrifying events of June 23, 2018, when armed bandits descended on Nghar, Yelwa Gindi Akwati, and Swei villages. As the attackers killed over 80 people, desperate residents—mostly Christians fleeing the carnage—ran towards the Imam’s mosque.
Instead of turning them away, Imam Abubakar opened his doors. He hid the women in his personal home and sheltered the men inside the mosque.
When the attackers arrived and demanded he hand over those hiding inside, the Imam refused, even offering his own life in exchange for their safety.
“I first took the women to my personal house to hide them. Then I took the men to the mosque,” the late Imam had recounted in a past interview. “God created mankind differently, but he wants us to live together in peace and harmony, and not harm each other.”
Northern CAN stated that his death is not just a loss to the Muslim community but to the entire nation and the body of Christ which he protected at the risk of his own life.
The association urged other religious leaders to emulate his selfless spirit and work towards healing the divides in Northern Nigeria.
“He acted in accordance with the highest virtues of faith, showing that we are all one before God,” the body noted.
Imam Abubakar’s bravery earned him numerous accolades during his lifetime. In July 2019, he was a recipient of the United States International Religious Freedom Award.
He was also conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by the Nigerian government.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum and President Bola Tinubu have also paid tributes to the late cleric, describing him as an “extraordinary embodiment of peace.”
Imam Abubakar is survived by 19 children, and his burial has been scheduled in accordance with Islamic rites.
