CAN Honours Late Imam for Saving 262 Christians During 2018 Attack

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid tribute to the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, praising his courage for sheltering and saving 262 Christians during a violent attack in 2018. In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the cleric’s actions as “a profound testimony to courage, compassion, and our […]

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has paid tribute to the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, praising his courage for sheltering and saving 262 Christians during a violent attack in 2018.

In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association described the cleric’s actions as “a profound testimony to courage, compassion, and our shared humanity.”

CAN said the Imam “will forever be remembered for his rare moral bravery and selflessness at a time of grave danger,” noting that he risked his life to protect those under threat.

“By choosing to protect innocent lives at great personal risk, he saved 262 Christians during a violent massacre in 2018, standing firmly on the side of humanity when it mattered most,” the statement read.

The association added that the Imam’s intervention went beyond saving lives, saying it “reinforced hope, strengthened interfaith harmony, and reminded our nation that peace is possible when conscience, love, and faith guide our actions.”

CAN recalled that it honoured the late cleric with an award during its Sapphire Anniversary celebrations in 2021 in recognition of what it called his “exceptional service to humanity.”

While mourning his passing, the association called for broader public recognition of his sacrifice and engagement with his family to preserve his legacy.

“We celebrate a life well lived in service to God and humanity,” Archbishop Okoh said, extending condolences to the Imam’s family, community and those he saved.