Northern Governors Mourn Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Hail Him as Global Icon of Peace and Interfaith Harmony
The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Chief Imam of Nghar Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Sheikh Abdullahi Abubakar, who passed away at the age of 92 after a brief illness.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Forum, its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, described the late cleric as an extraordinary embodiment of peace, courage, and selfless leadership whose actions earned him global respect and admiration.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya recalled that Sheikh Abdullahi Abubakar rose to international prominence during the 2018 Barkin Ladi attacks when he courageously sheltered about 200 Christians in his mosque and personal residence, protecting them from violent attacks at great personal risk.
He noted that the Imam’s timeless declaration that “we are all human beings” and his firm belief that faith demands the protection of all lives—regardless of religious affiliation—remain powerful moral lessons for Nigeria and the world.
According to the NSGF Chairman, the late Imam’s actions at a time of grave national distress transcended religious boundaries and projected Northern Nigeria as a land of compassion, peaceful coexistence, and shared humanity.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya further stated that the cleric’s rare courage and unwavering commitment to peace earned him both national and international recognition, including the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) award and the United States International Religious Freedom Award.
He urged Nigerians, particularly religious and community leaders, to draw inspiration from the life and legacy of Sheikh Abdullahi Abubakar by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic divides.
On behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, the Gombe State Governor extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Imam, the government and people of Plateau State, as well as the Muslim and Christian communities who benefitted from his exemplary leadership.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannat Firdaus and gives his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
By AlphapressMedia.com January 16, 2026
