Tragedy Imam who saved 262 christians during Plateau clash is dead

Abubakar Abdullahi, the respected Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, has passed away. He was widely admired for courageously sheltering 262 Christians during violent attacks in the region, earning a reputation as a symbol of unity and compassion.

The cleric’s death was confirmed on Friday by his son, Saleh Abubakar, who revealed to Daily Trust that his father passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.

According to Saleh, his father had been hospitalised for about ten days before his death after being diagnosed with a heart condition.

“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,” he said.

Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children, made up of 12 boys and seven girls.

The late cleric gained national and international recognition in June 2018 during deadly faith-based communal clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the violence, he hid 262 Christians inside a mosque and his residence until the attacks subsided, preventing what would have been mass killings.

In recognition of his courage and commitment to peaceful coexistence, Imam Abubakar received several honours, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.

He is expected to be buried Friday in Nghar village after the Jumma’at Prayer.

(DAILY TRUST)