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BREAKING: Plateau Imam who sheltered 262 Christians during 2018 crisis dies at 90
Abubakar Abdullahi, the respected Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who gained national and international recognition for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 communal violence, has died at the age of 90.
The cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos, following complications linked to a heart-related illness.
Confirming the death on Friday, his son, Saleh Abubakar, said the late Imam had battled health challenges for some time and was admitted to the hospital about ten days before his death.
“He was diagnosed with a heart problem and had been going for regular medical check-ups. His condition had not been stable since the diagnosis,” Saleh said.
Imam Abdullahi is survived by 19 children, comprising 12 sons and seven daughters.
The late cleric earned widespread admiration in June 2018 when violent, faith-based clashes swept through 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the crisis, he reportedly opened his mosque and personal residence to Christians fleeing attacks, hiding and protecting 262 people until calm was restored in the area.
His actions were widely hailed as a rare demonstration of courage, compassion and interfaith solidarity at a time when Plateau State was gripped by deadly communal tensions.
In recognition of his bravery and commitment to peaceful coexistence, Imam Abdullahi received several honours, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.
Family sources disclosed that the late cleric will be buried today in Nghar village after the Jumma’at prayer, in accordance with Islamic rites.
His death has drawn tributes from across religious and ethnic lines, with many describing him as a symbol of humanity, tolerance and moral courage in Nigeria’s troubled times.
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