Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, widely acclaimed for sheltering hundreds of Christians during communal violence, has died at the age of 90.
His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death to Daily Trust on Friday, stating that the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, ten days after being admitted.
According to Saleh, the late Imam had been battling health challenges linked to a heart condition. “He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He would go for check-ups and return, but his health had not been stable since the diagnosis,” he said.
Imam Abubakar is survived by 19 children — 12 sons and seven daughters.
The cleric gained national and international recognition in June 2018 during violent, faith-based communal clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the violence, he sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and personal residence until calm was restored, saving them from certain death.
His rare act of courage and interfaith solidarity earned him several commendations, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late Imam is to be laid to rest on Friday in his hometown of Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.
