Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who famously protected 262 Christians during communal clashes in 2018, has died.
Saleh Abubakar, a son of the late Imam, confirmed his father’s death to Daily Trust on Friday, saying he passed away Thursday night at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
“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,” Saleh said.
Imam Abdullahi gained national and international recognition for his bravery when, in June 2018, deadly faith-based communal clashes engulfed ten villages in Barkin Ladi. He sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and home until the crisis ended, saving them from potential annihilation.
For his courage, he received several awards, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late Imam is scheduled to be buried today after Jumu’at prayer in Nghar village.
