Abubakar Abdullahi, who hid more than 260 Christians in his mosque and home during communal violence in Plateau State, died in Jos, his family said

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has passed away at the age of 90, closing a chapter on a life widely celebrated for reflecting the true Islamic values of compassion, bravery, and respect for human life.

His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed that the imam died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.

Imam Abdullahi became a symbol of Islamic humanitarianism during the June 2018 communal violence that swept through parts of Barkin Ladi. As attacks raged across several villages, the imam opened the doors of his mosque and personal home to shelter 262 Christians, protecting them until the violence subsided. His action was inspired by the Qur’anic teaching that saving a single life is equal to saving all of humanity.

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad, in a tribute shared on X, described the late cleric as a man who lived by the teachings of Islam in both word and action. He prayed that Allah grants him Jannah al-Firdaus, noting that the imam’s courage represented Islam’s clear stance on the sanctity of life and service to mankind.

The imam’s selfless act earned both national and international recognition. In 2019, he received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State, acknowledging his role in promoting peace and interfaith harmony at great personal risk.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also mourned the cleric, describing him as a patriot whose actions rose above religious divides. He said the imam’s life and legacy reaffirmed the Islamic principles of peace, empathy, and brotherhood as foundations for national unity.

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi is survived by 19 children—12 sons and seven daughters. As tributes continue to pour in, many Nigerians say his life remains a powerful reminder that Islam stands firmly for mercy, justice, and the protection of every human life.

Source: The Nation