Plateau State Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, Who Saved 262 Christians Dies at 90
The Plateau State imam, Abubakar Abdullahi, widely known for protecting 262 Christians during violent communal clashes in Plateau State, has been confirmed dead. The respected cleric, who was the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, passed away after a brief illness.
His death was confirmed on Friday, January 16, by his son, Saleh Abubakar. According to him, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi died on Thursday, January 15, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, where he had been receiving treatment.
Saleh explained that his father had been battling heart-related issues and was admitted to the hospital about ten days before his death. He said the condition affected his health stability despite earlier medical checkups.
According to reports, the Imam died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children made up of 12 boys and seven girls, leaving behind a large family and a lasting legacy of courage and compassion.
The cleric rose to national and international recognition in June 2018 when deadly faith-based clashes erupted in 10 villages in Barkin Ladi LGA. During the violence, the Plateau State imam Abubakar Abdullahi hid 262 Christians in his house and a mosque, protecting them until the crisis subsided.
His brave action saved hundreds of lives and earned him several local and international honors. In 2019, he received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State for his extraordinary act of humanity.
He is expected to be buried after the Jumma’at prayer in Nghar village. Meanwhile, the death of the Plateau imam Abubakar Abdullahi has continued to draw emotional reactions from Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.
H A Haruna wrote: “Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who risked everything to shield over 200 Christians, has passed on. A true symbol of humanity, compassion, and interfaith brotherhood. May Allah forgive him, grant him Jannah, and comfort his family.”
Ahmed Kofa also prayed for the late cleric, saying, “May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant him Aljanna Firdausi. When you save a life, it is as if you saved humanity. But he helped save plenty.”
Paediatric Otaru praised his legacy and offered prayers: “May the mercy of God be showered on him for the forgiveness of any of his shortcomings. The scripture says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Ma’aji Umar described him as a rare example of true faith, stating, “May his soul rest in peace. A man with a big heart. That’s what the religion stands for, and not terrorism. A rare person who could be replicated by all.”
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