‘The gospel is worth every risk’ – Buba Adamu
By Segun Onibiyo
(Kaduna, Nigeria) He chose the life of walking desert sand to share life-giving water.
Abubakar Adamu, 38, beloved by his disciples as “Buba Adamu” on social media, knew suffering in the Fulani Muslim crucible in Kaduna State, Northcentral Nigeria. His early years were shaped by strict Islamic teachings and the rugged terrain of Kaura Local Government Area, where he was born and raised.
At 12, Adamu began studying under a Quranic teacher who enforced discipline with a whip. Missing a lesson often meant being sent into the bush at night to fetch firewood, a perilous task in an area teeming with hyenas and snakes.
“I remember one night when I was sent to the bush alone,” Adamu recalls. “I was terrified, but I had no choice. I could hear the sounds of hyenas around me. It was either face the bush or face the whip.”
Not surprisingly, Adamu was drawn to the kindness of Christians in his community. In 2005, when his cows trespassed on a Christian farmer’s land, the farmer forgave him instead of demanding compensation. “That act of forgiveness shocked me,” Adamu says. “It made me question why these people were so different?”
Transformative Conversion
Adamu’s journey to Christianity began in 2010 when he met Gowan Audi, a student pastor who shared the gospel with him. Later, a Christian man from southeastern Nigeria, whom Adamu refers to as “Brother Chinedu,” helped him deepen his faith. By 2012, Adamu had fully embraced Christianity, a decision that triggered rejection by his family and community.
“My family still struggles to accept my conversion,” Adamu says. “They believe I have brought shame to our name. But I know I have found the truth.”
Religious freedom is no small matter in northern Nigeria, particularly for converts from Islam to Christianity. Openly practicing Christianity is only possible in towns with a Christian majority, such as parts of Plateau State, he says. In predominantly Muslim areas, converts face social rejection, death threats, and violence.
Targeted by Extremists
Adamu’s evangelism has made him a target of radical groups, including members of the Miyetti Allah, a Fulani-tribe socio-cultural organization that prides itself on loyalty to Islam. “They have vowed to harm me for preaching Christ,” he says. “I’ve received countless threats, but I refuse to be silenced. Jesus has a plan for my life.”
In 2019, Adamu was attacked by a group of men in Kaduna who accused him of blasphemy. “They beat me with sticks until I passed out and left me for dead,” he recalls. “I still have scars on my back as a reminder of that day.”
Despite the dangers, Adamu remains steadfast in his mission. He travels across West Africa, including to Niger Republic, Chad, and northern Cameroon, spreading the gospel in the Sahel region, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa contest the government for authority.
Impact and Challenges
Adamu’s work has already made a profound impact, he tells TruthNigeria. Over the past decade, he estimates that thousands have heard the message of Christ through his efforts. In some communities, his missions have led to the construction of boreholes for clean water, the establishment of makeshift clinics, and the building of small churches.
However, challenges persist. Limited resources, mobility issues, and the risk of converts backsliding under pressure from peers remain significant obstacles. “Many new believers face intense pressure from their families and communities to renounce their faith,” Adamu explains. “We need more support to help them stand firm.”
A Call for Global Support
Adamu, who identifies as an evangelical Christian, is calling for greater support from the global Christian community. His goals include:
1. Providing Clean Water: Drilling boreholes in remote villages to address water scarcity.
2. Establishing Schools: Building structures to offer free basic education to children in underserved areas.
3. Organizing mobile clinics to provide healthcare in rural communities.
“Addressing these basic needs opens doors for the gospel,” Adamu says. “When people see that Christians care about their well-being, they are more receptive to the message of Christ.”
A Message to Christians Worldwide
Adamu’s message to fellow Christians is one of urgency and solidarity. “Millions in the Sahel region are still waiting to hear the gospel,” he says. “I encourage believers to support missions in three key ways: by personally participating in missionary work, praying for missionaries, and contributing resources to sustain their efforts.”
“Despite the dangers, I remain unwavering in my faith and mission. The gospel is worth every risk,” he adds.
The Broader Struggle for Religious Freedom
Adamu’s story illustrates the broader struggle faced by Christians in northern Nigeria, particularly converts from Islam. According to a 2024 report by TruthNigeria, at least 15 converts were killed in Kaduna and Katsina States last year on allegations of blasphemy. Many others live under constant threat, facing rejection from their families, hostility from their communities, and violence from extremist groups.
“For converts, practicing Christianity is not just a matter of faith—it is an act of courage,” says Reverend John Joseph, a human-rights advocate based in Abuja. “Without government protection and with limited support, they often rely on the global Christian community for prayers, solidarity, and assistance.”
A Test of Global Humanity
As the world watches, the plight of northern Nigerian Christians serves as a test of global humanity, compassion, and the fundamental right to believe without fear. Their resilience in the face of persecution is a powerful testament to the strength of faith and the urgent need for religious tolerance.
“We must amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and provide the resources they need to continue their mission,” says Reverend Joseph. “Their struggle is our struggle.”
Segun Onibiyo is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
