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Tinubu, Mutfwang, Others Mourn As Imam Abubakar Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attacks Dies at 92
Abdullahi Abubakar, the revered Islamic cleric globally recognised for protecting 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian violence in Plateau State, has passed away at the age of 92.
The late cleric, who served as the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, reportedly died after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, who disclosed that the Imam died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, about 10 days after being admitted.
Imam Abubakar, a herder by occupation, is survived by 19 children—12 sons and seven daughters.
He rose to national and international prominence following his remarkable act of bravery on June 23, 2018, when armed attackers invaded several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, killing scores of residents. Amid the violence, the Imam opened his mosque and home to shelter about 262 Christians fleeing the attacks, steadfastly refusing to surrender them to the assailants despite the grave risk to his own life.
Explaining his actions afterward, the cleric said he was guided by humanity and faith, stressing that his religion compelled him to protect lives irrespective of religious affiliation.
His courage earned him widespread acclaim. The Federal Government honoured him with the national award of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON), while former President Muhammadu Buhari personally commended him. He was also named joint winner of LEADERSHIP Media Group’s Person of the Year Award alongside industrialist Aliko Dangote. In 2019, the United States government presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award, describing him as a symbol of peace and interfaith harmony.
Reacting to his death, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the late Imam as a beacon of peace, unity, and selfless leadership. In a condolence message, the governor said Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith coexistence and protection of the vulnerable earned him respect across Nigeria and beyond, adding that his death has created a significant void in Barkin Ladi. He urged residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity exemplified by the late cleric.
President Bola Tinubu also expressed deep sorrow over the Imam’s passing. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Imam Abubakar as an extraordinary religious leader whose life embodied faith, courage, and reverence for the sanctity of human life.
President Tinubu noted that at a time when ethnic and religious sentiments threatened to override reason, the Imam chose peace over violence and humanity over division. He urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate and promote the spirit of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence reflected in the cleric’s life.
The news of Imam Abubakar’s death has continued to attract tributes nationwide. Nigerians from different backgrounds described him as a rare example of compassion, courage, and true religious devotion. Survivors of the 2018 attack, including Mrs Tabita David from Gashish district, also expressed gratitude, crediting the late Imam with saving their lives and urging the people of Plateau State to emulate his example.
Various organisations, including the Berom Youths Moulder, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), described his passing as a profound loss to Plateau State and the nation, noting that his legacy transcended religion, ethnicity, and politics.
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was laid to rest in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, immediately after the Jumat prayers.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.
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