Abubakar Abdullahi, the respected Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, who famously sheltered 262 Christians during violent communal clashes, has died.
His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death on Friday, stating that the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
“He died ten days after being admitted. He had been diagnosed with a heart condition and his health had been unstable despite regular check-ups,” Saleh said.
Imam Abubakar, aged 90, is survived by 19 children – 12 sons and seven daughters.
In June 2018, during violent, faith-based clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar opened his mosque and residence to shelter 262 Christians, protecting them from potential death. His courageous act earned him national and international recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric will be laid to rest today in Nghar village following the Juma’at prayers.
Elijah Adeyemi
