Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state, who sheltered 262 Christians in the area, is dead.
Saleh Abubakar, a son of the Imam, confirmed his death to Daily Trust on Friday, saying his father died Thursday night at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also confirmed the death in a post on X on Friday, describing the late imam as a man who exemplified Islamic teachings on the sanctity of human life and selfless service to humanity.
According to the deceased’s son, his father “died ten days after he was admitted. He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”
Imam Abubakar was 90 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by 19 children ; 12 boys and 7 girls.
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi had in June 2018 amidst deadly faith based communal clashes that engulfed 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, hid 262 Christians in a mosque and in his house until the conflict was over, and thus saved them from annihilation.
He had received several awards for his bravery, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the US Department of State in 2019.
Late Abubakar was buried on the January 16 after Jumma’at Prayer in Nghar village.
