Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated worldwide for his courage in sheltering Christians during the 2018 Plateau attacks, has died at the age of 90.
Until his passing, Abubakar was the Chief Imam of Nghar Village in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The late Imam came into national and international prominence in June 2018 when violence broke out in Barkin Ladi.
Armed men attacked communities, forcing hundreds of residents to flee.
In the midst of the chaos, Imam Abubakar opened the doors of his mosque and his home to Christians who were being hunted by the attackers.
He sheltered more than 200 people, refusing to hand them over despite threats from the gunmen.
His bravery and selflessness prevented what could have been a massacre and became a symbol of interfaith solidarity in Nigeria.
In 2019, the United States honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award
Imam Abubakar’s heroic act earned him accolades at home and abroad. He was nominated for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the Federal Government and received a handshake from then-President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his bravery.
In 2019, the United States honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award, with the Department of State commending his courage in risking his life to save members of another religious community.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Nigeria’s interfaith history.
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar will be remembered not only for his courage during the Plateau crisis but also for his lifelong dedication to peace, unity and the protection of the vulnerable.
His legacy stands as a beacon of compassion and fairness, inspiring future generations to embrace peaceful coexistence and interfaith understanding.
