President Buhari has directed Governor Lalong, of Plateau State, to bring 83-year-old Imam of Nghar village, Abdullahi Abubakar, for a handshake and national honour.
The President reportedly took the decision following reports that the imam saved about 300 persons on June 24 when suspected herdsmen invaded about 15 communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, killing scores.
The victims were said to be running for safety from a neighbouring village in the Barkin Ladi LGA when the imam allegedly hid them in his house and mosque.
“I hid the women in my personal house and after that, I took the men into the mosque and hid them there,” Imam Abubakar had stated.
However, the assailants reportedly caught up with the imam, and ordered him to release to them those he had hidden. But the cleric reportedly refused, and the attackers left without further ado.
Governor Lalong said, “The President has told me to bring to him Imam Abdullahi Abubakar 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, 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 also in Nigeria in general.
He did not only save 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.”
