The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) in Nigeria has called on religious leaders, educators, media organisations and policymakers to sustain and promote the legacy of the late Imam Abdullahi Abubakar as a model for peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Imam Abubakar, a respected Islamic cleric from Plateau State, gained national and international recognition during the 2018 communal violence in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where he reportedly saved more than 300 Christians.
At the height of the crisis, the cleric sheltered hundreds of Christians fleeing attacks, providing refuge in his mosque and private residence despite the grave personal risks involved.
He protected the displaced victims for several weeks until calm was restored. His actions of courage and humanity earned him Nigeria’s Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2019.
In a statement issued at the weekend, MPAC described the late imam as a national hero whose life exemplified exceptional courage, compassion and moral leadership.
The organisation said his actions were rooted in Islamic teachings that emphasise the sanctity of human life, justice and mercy.
Commenting on the cleric’s heroism, MPAC Executive Chairman, Alhaji Disu Kamor, said Imam Abubakar’s conduct reflected a long-standing Islamic tradition of protecting the innocent, regardless of faith or background.
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“Only those unfamiliar with the moral and historical traditions of Islam would be surprised by such a noble deed. Imam Abdullahi Abubakar stood within a lineage of Muslim exemplars who placed humanity above hostility and conscience above conflict,” Kamor said.
MPAC also compared the late cleric’s actions with historic examples of religious tolerance, including the protection of Christians by 19th-century Algerian leader, Amir Abd al-Qadir in Damascus and the Prophet Muhammad’s forgiveness of his former persecutors in Makkah.
“As the nation mourns his passing, we call on religious leaders, educators, media organisations and policymakers to uphold and promote Imam Abubakar’s legacy as a model of peaceful coexistence and nation-building,” the statement added.
