Imam who shielded over 260 Christians from attack in Plateau dies at 90

The Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who famously shielded 262 Christians during a violent communal attack, Abubakar Abdullahi, has died at the age of 90.

The son of the deceased, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death to Daily Trust, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.

He revealed that his father died about ten days after being admitted to the hospital, following complications linked to a heart condition that had affected his health for some time.

He said, “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.”

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Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also confirmed the death in a post on X on Friday, describing the late imam as a man who exemplified Islamic teachings on the sanctity of human life and selfless service to humanity.

He wrote, “He acted in accordance with the teachings of Islam, which uphold the sanctity of human life, where saving a single life is regarded as saving all of humanity. May Allah grant him Jannah al-Firdaus. Ameen!”

Imam Abdullahi is survived by 19 children, made up of 12 boys and seven girls.

In June 2018, during deadly faith-based clashes that swept through 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, the late imam hid 262 Christians in a mosque and his private residence until the violence subsided, preventing them from being killed.

His actions earned him local and international recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.