“At such a time when tribal and religious tendencies seemed to overwhelm reason, Imam Abubakar stood firmly on the side of peace, benevolence, and conscience,” the President said.
He noted that despite the grave danger to his own life, the cleric chose compassion over division and love over hatred.
“Mindless of the enormous risk to his own life, the noble cleric chose humanity over division, love as opposed to hatred, and embrace rather than rejection. His heroic feat underlines the essence of true faith, resonating louder than sermons in a salient message to the world at large,” Tinubu added.
According to the President, Abubakar’s actions exemplified the kind of humanity and moral courage society should aspire to uphold. He added that the cleric’s bravery did not go unnoticed, as he received both local and international honours in recognition of his commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
Tinubu urged religious and community leaders across the country to emulate the late Imam’s example by promoting tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
Atiku, in his message which was also shared on X, said the cleric lived a life that transcended religious divides and affirmed our shared humanity. The former vice president urged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to recommit to the ideals the late cleric embodied in inter-faith harmony, mutual respect, and an unwavering defence of the sanctity of every human life.
On his part, Obi described the late Imam as a beacon of light, “reminding us that the core of Islam is peace and the protection of the vulnerable.” He called on Nigerians to embrace love, unity, and peaceful coexistence in honour of the late Islamic cleric, adding that what Imam Abubakar did was exactly the expectations of citizens from their leaders; protect life and property.
In a condolence message, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.
Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”
Also expressing heartfelt sympathies, Chairman of the Plateau State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Yusuf Babayo, described the death of Imam Abdullahi as painful and a significant loss to the Muslim Ummah.
“It is difficult to get a leader like Imam Abdullahi. He was an elder statesman whose valuable contribution to peace in the state will be greatly missed,” Babayo said.
“He did not discriminate and treated everybody as his own, irrespective of religious differences. The vacuum created by his death cannot be filled by anyone in the state.”
In his reaction on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Secretary Rev. Simon Julius, described the late Imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.
“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late Imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” Rev. Julius said. He also sympathised with the Muslim Ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Plateau State chapter also expressed shock at his passing, while submitting to the will of Allah SWT. In a statement signed by its Secretary, Dr. Salim Musa Umar, JNI described the late Imam as an exceptional leader who demonstrated compassion during a trying period for his community.
“He was credited with hiding over 200 Christians in his mosque during one of the most devastating ethno-religious conflicts in Plateau State, the statement read.
“On behalf of the chairman and Emir of Wase, JNI extends its condolences to his family, Plateau State, and Nigeria. No doubt, we have lost a rare gem. Humanity will never forget his sacrifices, and history will remember him positively.”
Late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has since been buried in Nghar village, Barkin Ladi LGA, the Jumma’at Prayer in his honour.