Unsung Hero Abdullahi Abubakar Dies At 92
Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated globally for sheltering 262 Christians during the 2018 sectarian attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 92.
According to reports, Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi local government area of the state, passed away after a brief illness.
One of the deceased’s sons, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed his fathers’ death on Friday.
According to him, his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, 10 days after he was admitted.
Imam Abubakar, who was also a herder, left behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.
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 about 262 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.
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.
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.
