The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (NCAN) has honoured late Muslim cleric, Abdullahi Abubakar from Plateau State for his courageous efforts in saving the lives of more than 200 Christians during violent assaults in the state.
The Northern CAN commended the imam for prioritizing humanity over religious differences, calling his actions a remarkable demonstration of bravery, compassion, and peaceful coexistence.
The association noted that the cleric put his own life at risk by sheltering Christians in his home and mosque, protecting them from armed assailants during a time of widespread fear and tension in the community.
CAN emphasized that the imam’s sacrifice illustrates that genuine faith opposes violence and hatred, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from his legacy.
Additionally, CAN called on both leaders and citizens to foster unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, highlighting that Nigeria can only progress when individuals support one another, irrespective of their faith or ethnicity.
The association further said the death of the 92-year-old cleric marked the loss of a moral beacon whose actions resonated beyond religious and ethnic boundaries at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the late imam’s life was a powerful testimony that true religion upholds the sanctity of human life.
He said the cleric’s intervention at the height of the violence helped save innocent lives and prevented further bloodshed in the troubled community.
“He stood firm in the face of danger and chose humanity over hatred, peace over violence, and love over fear,” Hayab said.
The Northern CAN chairman described the late Imam as a man whose faith translated into courageous action, stressing that leadership is best demonstrated through sacrifice and compassion.
“He was a moral compass in one of Nigeria’s darkest moments. His actions spoke louder than sermons and reminded us all of our shared humanity,” Hayab added.
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Quoting the bible, the association said: “The memory of the righteous is a blessing,” noting that Imam Abubakar’s name would not be forgotten.
Northern CAN stated that the late cleric’s legacy would continue to inspire generations and serve as a reference point for peaceful coexistence across religious and ethnic lines.
Hayab stressed that Imam Abubakar’s life validated the belief that genuine religion promotes mutual respect, tolerance, and love, irrespective of differences in belief or background.
He urged religious leaders across the country to draw lessons from the late Imam by consistently preaching peace, restraint, and compassion, particularly during times of tension and uncertainty.
It prayed for comfort for the family of the late Imam Abubakar and extended condolences to the Muslim community in Plateau State and the nation at large.
