Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who sheltered 262 Christians during communal violence, has died.
His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed his death to Daily Trust on Friday, stating that the cleric died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to Saleh, his father “died ten days after his admission” to the hospital.
“He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He was going for checkups and coming back. His health had not been stable since he was diagnosed with the heart disease.”
Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. She is survived by 19 children: 12 sons and seven daughters.
In June 2018, during violent faith-based communal clashes affecting 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and residence until the violence subsided, saving them from certain death.
His bravery earned him wide recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late cleric will be buried on Friday (today) in Nghar village after Juma’at prayers.