Why my father hid 300 Christians from killer herdsmen – Son of late heroic imam

In a conversation with BIODUN BUSARI, Masa-Udu Abdullahi-Abubakar reveals the life and times of his late father, Abdullahi Abubakar, who was the Chief Imam of Akwati Mosque in Nghar community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State

What was your relationship with your father like?

I had a very good relationship with my father, just like the other children. My father had 21 children. I have elder siblings and younger siblings. My father was a revered scholar not only in our community and state but also in the country. So, all his children enjoyed a cordial relationship with him when he was alive.

How many wives did your father marry?

He had three wives. But two of them left. One stayed with him even before his death, and that happened to be my mother.

Can you recall how your father became the Chief Imam of his community?

He was born and raised in Yelwa near Gindin Akwati. He had primary, secondary and Quranic education in our community. He became the chief imam after his father died. My grandfather was also a chief imam before he passed on. I can’t remember the actual year he became the imam. But he spent more than 50 years as an imam in this place. He died at the age of 93.

How would you describe your father during his time?

If I tell you my father was indescribable, it is true. He was a kind-hearted person. He was a trusted husband, loving father and dependable neighbour.

My father worked hand in hand with everybody in his area, the local government and the state. He was widely loved and respected by the surrounding villages as well. All the tribes we have in our village loved him for his generous and simple lifestyle.

They took my father as their father. My father did not discriminate against religions or tribes. The Christians who are living here grew up with my brothers as age mates. We lived together as one community. Everyone practised their religion because it was the foundation we met with our late father.

What other things did he do apart from being an imam?

He practised farming and rearing. He farmed and reared goats and cattle.

How did your father save more than 200 Christians from bandits in 2018?