Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who gained global recognition for sheltering hundreds of Christians during deadly communal violence, has died at the age of 90.
His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death to Daily Trust on Friday, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
According to him, the late imam had been hospitalised for about ten days following complications related to a heart condition.
“He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He would go for check-ups and return home, but his health had not been stable since the diagnosis,” Saleh said.
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Imam Abubakar rose to international prominence in June 2018 during violent, faith-based clashes that engulfed at least 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the bloodshed, he opened his mosque and personal residence to shelter 262 Christians, protecting them from imminent death until the violence subsided.
His selfless act, carried out at great personal risk, was widely hailed as a rare display of humanity and interfaith solidarity amid crisis.
In recognition of his courage and commitment to peace, Imam Abubakar was honoured with the International Religious Freedom Award by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric is survived by 19 children — 12 sons and seven daughters.
He was laid to rest on Friday (today) in his hometown of Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.
Many Nigerians and community leaders have described his death as the loss of a moral compass and a powerful reminder that compassion can triumph over hate, even in the darkest moments.