Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, widely celebrated for protecting hundreds of Christians during 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 in Jos.
According to Saleh, the late imam had been hospitalised for about ten days before his death.
“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,” he said.
Imam Abubakar is survived by 19 children — 12 sons and seven daughters.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in June 2018 after sheltering 262 Christians in his mosque and residence during violent, faith-based communal clashes in Barkin Ladi that affected 10 villages. His actions saved the victims from certain death until the violence subsided.
In recognition of his courage and commitment to peace, Imam Abubakar received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.
He will be laid to rest later on Friday in his hometown of Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.