By Nworisa Michael
A respected Muslim cleric, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who gained national and international recognition for sheltering hundreds of Christians during the 2018 Plateau State attacks, has passed away at the age of 90.
Imam Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, according to family sources.
The cleric rose to prominence in June 2018 during deadly communal violence that affected at least 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, when he hid 262 Christians inside his mosque and personal residence, shielding them from harm until the violence subsided.
His courageous act was widely praised across religious and ethnic lines and was described by many as a powerful example of humanity, tolerance, and interfaith coexistence.
Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, told journalists that the cleric had been battling a heart-related illness for some time.
“He was diagnosed with a heart problem and had been going for medical check-ups. His condition became unstable, and he passed away about ten days after being admitted,” Saleh said.
Imam Abdullahi received several awards in recognition of his bravery and commitment to peace, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric is survived by 19 children 12 sons and seven daughters.
Family sources disclosed that he will be buried in Nghar village after the Jumaat prayer on Friday, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Tributes have continued to pour in from religious leaders, civil society groups, and Nigerians who describe the late Imam as a symbol of compassion and moral courage in times of crisis.