Abdullahi Abubakar, the revered Muslim cleric celebrated globally for protecting Christians during the 2018 attacks in Plateau State, has died at the age of 92.
Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, passed away on Friday, ending a life widely honoured for exceptional courage, compassion and commitment to interfaith harmony.
He gained national and international recognition on June 23, 2018, when violent attacks erupted across communities in Barkin Ladi. As residents fled the bloodshed, the cleric opened both his mosque and personal home, providing shelter to hundreds of people, the majority of them Christians.
Despite threats from armed assailants who demanded the victims be handed over, Abubakar stood his ground, protecting and hiding at least 300 people until calm was eventually restored.
His actions drew widespread praise across Nigeria and beyond. The Federal Government later nominated him for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), while former President Muhammadu Buhari publicly commended his bravery. In 2019, the United States Government awarded him the International Religious Freedom Award for risking his life to save others.
In interviews following the incident, Abubakar consistently said his actions were guided by a simple moral belief—that the protection of human life transcends religion, faith or ethnicity.
Reacting to his passing, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the late imam as a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership. In a condolence message, the governor said Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith coexistence earned him admiration around the world.
Governor Mutfwang noted that his death is a profound loss to his family, the Barkin Ladi community and Plateau State, adding that the cleric’s leadership helped promote forgiveness and peaceful coexistence in a region frequently affected by communal tensions.
He urged residents to uphold the values of compassion, tolerance and unity exemplified by the late imam, while praying for strength for his family.
Abubakar’s passing marks the loss of a rare moral voice and an enduring symbol of humanity in the face of violence.