The Muslim cleric widely celebrated for protecting Christians during the 2018 Plateau violence, Abdullahi Abubakar, has passed away.
Abubakar, who was the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died at the age of 92.
He rose to national and global prominence after opening his mosque and residence to people fleeing attacks by armed men during the crisis.
At the height of the violence, he sheltered at least 300 Christians inside the mosque and firmly refused demands by attackers seeking to harm them.
The incident occurred on June 23, 2018, when suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on communities in Barkin Ladi, killing many residents.
As residents fled in different directions, Abubakar offered refuge to all who sought safety with him until normalcy was restored.
His courageous act drew widespread praise within Nigeria and beyond.
He was nominated for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) by the federal government and later received a personal handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his bravery.
In 2019, the United States government honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award.
The US Department of State cited his willingness to risk his life to protect others.
In interviews following the attacks, Abubakar said saving lives was a moral duty that transcended religious boundaries, stressing that his actions were guided by compassion and respect for humanity.
His passing has been described as the loss of a powerful symbol of interfaith unity in a region often affected by communal conflict.
Reacting to the news, Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang described the late cleric as an embodiment of peace, unity and selfless service.
In a condolence message, the governor said Abubakar’s dedication to interfaith harmony and the protection of the vulnerable earned him both national and international admiration.
Mutfwang noted that his death was a huge loss to his family, community and Plateau State, adding that his leadership helped foster forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across the state.
He urged residents of Barkin Ladi to continue to uphold the values of compassion and unity that Abubakar represented.
“On behalf of his family, the government, and the people of Plateau State, Governor Mutfwang extended his deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss, praying that Almighty God grants them comfort and strength to bear the painful loss,” the statement reads.