A Nigerian Muslim imam has been honored by The Sun newspaper, Nigeria, for saving hundreds of Christians during an attack in the central Plateau State last year.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi was awarded the Sun Hero of the Year Award for his courage in saving Christian villagers from being lynched  by bandits in Plateau.

The imam also received a donation of one million NGN on behalf of Kaduna State Government.

Co-existence and Tolerance

In an earlier interview with The Punch newspaper, the 83-year-old imam said Islamic teachings that call for religious co-existence and tolerance were the main motives for saving the Christian villagers.

Abdullahi said he was inspired to help the fleeing residents because of the relationship of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with people of different faith backgrounds.

“He preached to Christians, pagans and idol worshipers. He had a cordial and peaceful relationship with everybody regardless of their religion,” he said.

“I gambled with my life because there was every tendency for them to attack me,” Abdullahi said. “I was threatened, and my life was in danger, I even fell down because of the confusion. But because they saw that I am an old man, they left me and went elsewhere.”

Why Did this Brave Imam Gamble with His Life to Save Christians’ lives