The Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abubakar Abdullahi, has passed away at the age of 90, marking the end of a life widely celebrated for courage, compassion, and selfless service to humanity.
It was gathered that the respected cleric died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos after battling health complications.
A hero remembered for saving lives 
Imam Abdullahi rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 during the deadly faith-based communal violence that swept across several communities in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the crisis, when at least 10 villages were engulfed in chaos, the cleric took a bold and extraordinary step that would define his legacy.
Risking his own life, he sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and personal residence, keeping them safe until calm was restored.
His actions prevented what could have been a mass tragedy and earned him widespread admiration across religious and ethnic divides.
Many have since described him as a symbol of unity, tolerance, and the true spirit of interfaith coexistence in Nigeria.
In recognition of his bravery, Imam Abdullahi received several awards both at home and abroad.
Among the most notable was the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The honour celebrated his commitment to protecting lives regardless of religious differences and his role in promoting peace during one of Plateau State’s most turbulent periods.
Confirming his death, one of his sons, Saleh Abubakar, told Daily Trust that the revered cleric had been battling a heart-related illness for some time.
According to him, his father had been undergoing regular medical check-ups after being diagnosed with heart disease, but his condition worsened recently, leading to his hospitalisation.
“He died about ten days after he was admitted,” Saleh said. “He had been diagnosed with a heart problem earlier and was going for routine check-ups. Unfortunately, his health became unstable after that.”
Imam Abubakar is survived by 19 children 12 sons and seven daughters as well as numerous grandchildren and admirers who remember him not just as a religious leader, but as a man whose actions transcended faith and ethnicity.
He is expected to be laid to rest today in his hometown of Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers, in line with Islamic burial rites.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, many Nigerians are remembering Imam Abubakar Abdullahi as a rare example of moral courage a man who, in a moment of great danger, chose humanity over fear and compassion over division.
