Plateau Imam Who Saved 262 Christians During 2018 Clashes Dies At 90

Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who protected hundreds of Christians during violent communal unrest, has passed away.

The death of the cleric was confirmed on Friday by his son, Salah Abubakar, who said his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. According to him, the Imam had been hospitalised for days after battling health challenges related to a heart condition.

“He died ten days after he was admitted. He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”

The late Imam reportedly died at the age of 90 and is survived by 19 children, comprising 12 boys and seven girls.

Imam Abdullahi gained widespread recognition in June 2018 when religious violence engulfed 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. During the attacks, he sheltered 262 Christians inside a mosque and his private residence, keeping them hidden until the crisis subsided and their lives were spared.

His actions attracted local and international praise, earning him several honours, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.