Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who famously sheltered hundreds of Christians during violent attacks, has died at the age of 90.
A son of the deceased, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death to newsmen on Friday, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to him, the late Imam had been battling heart-related complications and died about ten days after being admitted to the hospital.
“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,” Saleh said.
Imam Abdullahi rose to national and international prominence in June 2018, when deadly communal clashes swept through at least 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the violence, he hid 262 Christians in a mosque and in his personal residence, protecting them until the crisis subsided and saving them from possible death.
His courageous act earned him widespread recognition and several honours, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019. He was also celebrated by religious and peace-building organisations across Nigeria for promoting peaceful coexistence and interfaith harmony.
The late cleric is survived by 19 children—12 boys and seven girls.
He is expected to be buried later today after the Juma’at prayer in his hometown of Nghar village, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Have any thoughts?
Share your reaction or leave a quick response — we’d love to hear what you think!
-
0 -
0 -
0 -
0 -
0 -
0
