Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, widely respected for protecting hundreds of Christians during violent communal clashes, has died.
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.
According to him, the imam died ten days after being admitted to the hospital due to complications from a heart condition. He explained that his father had been diagnosed earlier and frequently went for medical check ups, but his health had remained unstable since the diagnosis.
Imam Abdullahi died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children, 12 sons and seven daughters.
The late cleric gained international recognition in June 2018 during deadly, faith based communal violence that affected at least 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the attacks, he sheltered 262 Christians in a mosque and in his private residence, protecting them from harm until peace was restored.
His bravery 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.
