Gidin-Akwati, Alh. Abdullahi Abubakar, the 83-year-old Imam who saved 300 Christians children and Christian women during the recent bloody attacks that claimed several lives in the villages of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area will receive “a handshake and national honour” from President Buhari.
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State disclosed that the President took the decision following reports that the Imam saved about 300 persons on June 24 when suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded about 15 communities in the Barkin Ladi LGA, killing over 200 persons.
The Imam in the heat of the attack was reported to have rescued the Christians who were said to be fleeing from a neighbouring village in the Barkin Ladi LGA when the Imam hid them in his house and mosque.
The cleric was however accosted by the assailants demanding that he release those who were Christians in the mosque.
He stated that he deceived the bandits that those in the mosque were Muslims and upon hearing this, the attackers left him and continued with their killing elsewhere.
“The President has told me to bring Imam Abdullahi Abubakar for a hand shake 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 in 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. We are waiting for that process of meeting the President for a handshake and national honour. Having a handshake with Mr President at the age of 83, I think the man will be happy, even if he is going to his grave, that something has happened in his life.” Lalong said.
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