Hero Imam Who Hid 262 Christians During Plateau Attack Dies at 90
Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who famously protected hundreds of Christians during violent communal clashes, has died.
His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the d+ath to Daily Trust on Friday, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to him, the imam d+ed ten days after being admitted to the hospital following complications from a heart condition. “He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He would go for check-ups and return home, but his health had not been stable since the diagnosis,” he said.
Imam Abdullahi died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children—12 boys and seven girls.
The late cleric gained international recognition in June 2018 during deadly, faith-based communal violence that swept through at least 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the attacks, he hid 262 Christians in a mosque and in his private residence, shielding them from harm until calm was restored.
His courageous actions earned him several honours, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
He will be laid to rest on Friday after the Juma’at prayer in his hometown of Nghar village.