As Nigeria continues to grapple with existential security challenges and the elusive search for lasting peace, harmony and stability, the recent death of prominent cleric, the Imam of Gindin Akwati community in the Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state, Alhaji Abubakar Abdullahi at a ripe age of 90 years, is not only a monumental loss to his immediate family, community, and Plateau State but the nation at large.
But rather than remain in deep grief, we believe that the passing of the Islamic spiritual leader should serve as a wake up to community, religious and political leaders to emulate the cleric’s remarkable service to his people and all those who encountered him as well as his steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable in the society, including women and children notwithstanding their tribe or creed.
It would be recalled that the late Imam Abubakar shot into national and global limelight in 2018 when he singlehandedly sheltered over 262 Christians in his mosque and residence from the rampaging Fulani bandits during the communal strife that engulfed several villages in Barkin Ladi council, thereby demonstrating exceptional bravery even at great risk to his life, until the killing was brought under control by security forces. Sadly, however, no fewer than 80 innocent lives were wasted in that massacre.
In other words, but for the courageous and timely intervention of the extraordinary cleric, those he hid under his roof would have suffered the same fate that befell the Birom victims, who were hunted by blood thirsty Islamic zealots. His action was certainly in line with his ardent belief in the sanctity of human life.
Regrettably, however, his shining example is the direct opposite of the violent attitude of Islamic fanatics and jihadists in Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province, ISWAP, who have been waging a religious war against their fatherland since 2009, a conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives and property worth billions of naira in northern Nigeria.
It is our strong view, therefore, that the late Imam’s exemplary leadership and legacy of promoting interfaith harmony, peaceful co-existence, safeguarding lives as well as building bridges of forgiveness, compassion, and empathy among diverse communities across Plateau state and beyond that earned him both national and international recognition.
This should be emulated by all Nigerians for the nation to achieve the much-needed enduring peace, unity and stability which are essential for any meaningful socio-economic and technological development.
However, we note with serious concern that over 65 years after attaining independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, the most populous black nation on earth continues to be plagued by such divisive tendencies as tribalism, religion and nepotism despite embracing the federal character principle in federal appointments and admission of students into national secondary and tertiary institutions.
Conversely, the Muslim leader during his lifetime, according to available records, though never served in any public office, was a completely detribalized Nigerian, a strong advocate of peace, fairness, justice and father of all even at trying times when religious and tribal tendencies seemed to have overwhelmed reason which we observe continue to fuel communal killings in parts of the country till date.
He perhaps might have realized early enough the merits of religious tolerance which include “promoting peace, unity, and social stability, fostering respect for diverse beliefs, prevents conflicts and discrimination, and upholds fundamental human rights like freedom of religion, leading to better societal harmony and stronger human rights”.
Similarly, experience has shown that such faith harmony boosts economic development by creating stable, inclusive environments, allows people to coexist and learn from each other, dismantles “stereotypes and building more equitable societies where individuals are valued regardless of their faith or lack thereof” in addition to reducing hostility and conflict, creating a harmonious society where different groups can cooperate fully.
Again, the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) guarantees such fundamental rights as freedom of thought, conscience, and religion for all citizens which in turn create stability that can attracts investment and allows people from diverse background to collaborate to establish businesses. It also strengthens society by building healthier social structures by promoting acceptance and reducing the negative impacts of intolerance like hatred and violence.
We are therefore not surprised by the torrents of tributes that have trailed the cleric’s demise from notable Nigerians including President Bola Tinubu, who remarked that, “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.
Continuing, Tinubu noted that, “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’’ even as the President prayed that the Almighty Allah grant Imam Abubakar “eternal rest and reward him for his good deeds and courage.”
In a similar vein, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, described the late Imam as a ‘’man of purpose, whose life was distinguished by an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children’’ stressing that the revered community leader dedicated his entire life to the advancement, development, and well-being of his people, and that his sudden passing leaves a significant void in the leadership of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
While praying for God to raise leaders of integrity and wisdom to continue the legacy exemplified by the late Imam, Mutfwang observed that the loss comes at a time when the state greatly needed the guidance, wisdom, and unifying presence of Abubakar and urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence.
Born on 1 January 1936 in Bauchi, he was the Chief Imam of Akwati Mosque in Nghar, a community in Barkin Ladi local government area of Plateau state. Though from a humble background, the cleric shot into a national and global icon after saving the lives of 262 people, predominantly Christians from the Birom ethnic nationality during a deadly attack by suspected bandits in 2018. For his courage and bravery, in July 2019, Imam Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Government, which is usually conferred on supporters of religious freedom, alongside four other religious leaders from Sudan, Iraq, Brazil, and Cyprus.
This was followed by a national honour, Member of the Orde of the Federal Republic (MFR) bestowed on him by then President Muhammadu Buhari now of blessed memory who also, in August 2019, authorized the inclusion of the Imam in the membership of the National Ulama Committee and was part of an 80-man delegation charged with the responsibility of educating Nigerian pilgrims in Mina, Saudi Arabia during the 2019 Hajj. He died on 15 January 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind 19 children comprising 12 sons and 7 daughters, according to his son, Saleh Abubakar.
We condole with the cleric’s family in particular, the people and government of Plateau state for the passing of this great Nigerian and African who lived a life of faith, compassion, fairness, and leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity and peaceful coexistence and demand that President Tinubu should confer a national posthumous honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the late cleric while the Plateau state government name an institution of higher learning after him to serve as an inspiration to citizens and immortalize him for generation unborn. Truly, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was not only an embodiment of peace but a role model for religious harmony.
For a better society
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