Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the esteemed Muslim cleric who saved hundreds of Christians during deadly attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 90.
He passed away Thursday night, January 15, 2026, at Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos following a brief illness.
As Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Abdullahi became a national hero in June 2018 when he sheltered over 260 Christians fleeing armed attacks in nearby communities.
He protected them in his mosque and home, refusing to hand them over to attackers and risking his own life to save theirs.
For his bravery, he received multiple honors, including the International Religious Freedom Award.
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He is survived by 19 children and numerous grandchildren. Burial is scheduled to follow Friday prayers in his home village of Nghar.
Abdullahi’s passing is being mourned across religious and ethnic communities, marking the loss of a figure celebrated for courage, interfaith harmony, and humanitarian leadership.