The Islamic cleric, Abdullahi Abubakar, who gained national and international prominence for sheltering Christians from being killed during the 2018 Plateau attacks, has died at the age of 92.
Abubakar was the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The late imam made headlines when he opened his mosque and home to hundreds of people fleeing violence by armed men.
He hid at least 300 Christians in the mosque and refused to hand them over to attackers demanding for them to be killed.
The incident occurred on June 23, 2018, when suspected bandits attacked communities across Barkin Ladi, killing scores of residents.
As the crowd scampered for safety, Abubakar provided shelter to those who ran his way, until calm returned.
His selfless action earned him accolades at home and abroad.
He was nominated for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the federal government and received a handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his bravery.
In 2019, the United States awarded him the International Religious Freedom Award.
The US Department of State cited his courage in risking his life to save others.
In interviews after the incident, Abubakar described saving lives as a principle he upheld regardless of religion, saying he acted out of compassion and respect for humanity.
His death marks the passing of a figure many saw as a symbol of interfaith solidarity in a region long troubled by communal violence.
Reacting to his death, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, described the late cleric as a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership.
In a condolence message, the governor said Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him national and international recognition.
Mutfwang said the cleric’s death was a major loss to his family, community and the state, noting that his leadership helped build bridges of forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across Plateau.
He added that Abubakar’s passing has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi LGA, urging residents to uphold the values of compassion and unity he represented.
“On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss, praying that Almighty God grants them comfort and strength to bear the painful loss,” the statement reads.
