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Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, Who Sheltered Hundreds Of Christians During 2018 Plateau Massacre, Dies At 92
At least 262 Christians were sheltered by the cleric, who reportedly stood his ground when assailants arrived and demanded that the people hiding in his compound be handed over.
Jos, Plateau State– Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated for his extraordinary act of courage and humanity during the 2018 violent attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 92.
Abubakar, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, rose to national and international prominence after he sheltered hundreds of Christians fleeing deadly violence in the area.
During the attacks of June 23, 2018, suspected armed bandits stormed several communities across Barkin Ladi, killing scores of residents and forcing many others to flee for their lives.
As panic spread and residents ran for safety, Abubakar opened the doors of his mosque and his private residence to those in danger, regardless of their faith.
At least 262 Christians were sheltered by the cleric, who reportedly stood his ground when assailants arrived and demanded that the people hiding in his compound be handed over.
Abubakar refused, risking his own life to protect those under his care until calm was eventually restored in the community.
His actions were widely hailed as a rare and powerful example of interfaith solidarity in a region often affected by communal and religious violence.
The cleric’s bravery drew commendations from within Nigeria and beyond.
In recognition of his selfless act, the Federal Government nominated Abubakar for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
He was also received by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who publicly acknowledged and commended his courage.
Internationally, the United States Government honoured him in 2019 with the International Religious Freedom Award.
The US Department of State said the award was in recognition of his “courage in risking his life to save others” and his commitment to peaceful coexistence across religious lines.
Speaking in interviews after the attacks, Abubakar consistently downplayed personal praise, insisting that his actions were guided by compassion and a deep respect for human life.
He maintained that protecting the vulnerable was a moral duty that transcended religion.
The death of the cleric has been described as a major loss, particularly in Plateau State, where his actions had come to symbolise hope, peace, and unity.
Reacting to the news, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, described the late imam as “a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership.”
In a condolence statement, the governor said Abubakar’s unwavering commitment to interfaith harmony and the protection of the vulnerable earned him both national and international recognition.
“His passing is a major loss to his family, his community, and Plateau State as a whole. His leadership helped build bridges of forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across our communities,” Mutfwang said.
The governor noted that Abubakar’s death had left a significant void in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, urging residents to uphold the values of compassion, courage, and unity that the late cleric embodied.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning this loss, praying that Almighty God grants them comfort and strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement added.
Chief Imam Abdullahi Abubakar is widely remembered as a moral voice and a living testament to the power of humanity above hatred, whose legacy continues to resonate far beyond Plateau State.
