BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, describing his passing as the loss of a rare moral voice whose life embodied courage, faith and selfless service to humanity.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the death of the 92-year-old cleric marked the exit of a man whose actions spoke louder than sermons at one of Nigeria’s darkest moments.
The association recalled that Imam Abubakar earned national and international recognition in 2018 when he risked his life to shelter and protect more than 200 Christians during a violent communal crisis that rocked parts of Plateau State.
According to Hayab, the late Imam’s conduct stood as a powerful testimony to the true meaning of faith and leadership, noting that his legacy would remain a lasting reference point for peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic divides.
Quoting Proverbs 10:7, Northern CAN stated that “the memory of the righteous is blessed,” stressing that Imam Abubakar’s name would not fade with time but would continue to inspire generations committed to peace and humanity.
The statement further noted that the late cleric’s life validated the belief that genuine religion upholds the sanctity of human life, mutual respect and love for one another, regardless of creed or background.
Northern CAN urged religious leaders across the country to draw lessons from Imam Abubakar’s exemplary life by consistently preaching peace, tolerance and compassion, especially during periods of tension and uncertainty.
It also called on Nigerians to embrace the values of unity, courage and humanity demonstrated by the late Imam, stressing that national healing and sustainable security could only be achieved through collective commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The association prayed for comfort for the family of the late Imam Abdullahi Abubakar and extended its condolences to the Muslim community in Plateau State and the nation at large, describing his death as a loss not only to Islam but to humanity as a whole.
