President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to Abdullahi Abubakar, the revered Chief Imam of Nghar community in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing him as a rare Nigerian who placed humanity above ethnic and religious divisions.

The nonagenarian cleric, who won national and global acclaim for sheltering hundreds of Christians during the violent Plateau crisis of 2018, passed away on Friday at the age of 92.

In a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the late imam’s life was a powerful testimony to courage, compassion and unwavering faith in the sanctity of human life.

Tinubu recalled how Abubakar risked his life at the height of sectarian violence to protect vulnerable neighbours, stressing that the gesture stood in sharp contrast to the hatred that threatened to consume the nation at the time.

“At a moment when tribal and religious passions appeared to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly for peace and conscience,” the President said.

“Without regard for his personal safety, he chose humanity over division, love over hatred and acceptance over rejection. His action remains a timeless lesson that true faith is measured by deeds, not words.”

The President noted that the cleric’s bravery earned him numerous honours at home and abroad, adding that his legacy should inspire Nigerians to build bridges across faith and ethnic lines.

Tinubu urged religious and community leaders to emulate the late imam by promoting tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

He prayed for the repose of the deceased, saying: “May the Almighty grant Imam Abubakar eternal rest and reward him abundantly for his courage and good works.”

Abubakar came into national limelight in June 2018 when he hid about 300 Christians in his mosque and residence, preventing them from being killed during attacks in several Plateau communities.