Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Man Who Sheltered 300 Christians During 2018 Plateau Killings, Dies At 92

Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated globally for sheltering hundreds of  Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 92.

Abubakar, who was the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi local government area of the State, passed away after a brief illness, according to reports.

The late Islamic cleric rose to prominence following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead. Amid the chaos, Abubakar opened the doors of his mosque and home to at least 300 Christians fleeing the violence, refusing to hand them over to the attackers.

“I did it because we are all human beings. My religion teaches me to protect lives, regardless of faith,” the imam had said in interviews after the incident, explaining that compassion and humanity guided his decision.

His selfless act earned him both national and international acclaim. In recognition of his bravery, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON), and he was personally commended by then President Muhammadu Buhari. Subsequently, LEADERSHIP Media Group also named him as joint winner of its prestigious annual Person of the Year Award alongside business mogul, Aliko Dangote.

In 2019, the United States government also presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award, describing him as “a beacon of peace and interfaith harmony” for risking his life to save others.

Reacting to his passing, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State described the late cleric as “a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership.”

In a condolence message issued on Thursday, Mutfwang said Imam Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.

“His death is a major loss to his family, community and the state,” the governor said. “His leadership helped build bridges of forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across Plateau.”

Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing “has left a significant void in Barkin Ladi,” urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance, and unity that he embodied.

“On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss,” the governor said. “May Almighty God grant them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss.”