Imam Who Saved 300 Christians In Plateau To Get National Honour

Arrangements have been concluded for President Muhammadu Buhari to give national honour to an 83-year-old Chief Imam of Nghar village, Gashish district in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, who reportedly rescued 300 christian indigenes of the state on June 24 when suspected herdsmen invaded the community and killed over 200 persons.

The people were said to be running for safety from a neighbouring village when the Imam hid them in his house and mosque, thereby saving their lives.

Governor of the state, Simon Lalongs disclosed Buhari’s plan for Abubakar in Jos, yesterday, during the opening ceremony of a three-day peace and security conference with the theme: ‘The resurgence of violence in Plateau State: Towards a multi stakeholder partnership for peace and security’, organised by the State Peace Building Agency.


Lalong said: “The president has told me to bring to him for a handshake, which will be followed by a national honour. I was also preparing what to do for this man. Although, he is already in his old age, but God knows why he did it at that age – for us to study and also know how to maintain peace, not only in Plateau State but Nigeria in general.

“What he did, not only saved the people of Barkin Ladi LGA, not only Plateau State, but I think the whole of this country because 300 lives is not a small number. So, Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, only God will reward you for what you have done.