Abdullahi Abubakar, imam who sheltered 300 Christians during 2018 Plateau attacks, dies at 92

Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric widely praised for protecting Christians during the 2018 attacks in Plateau state, has died at the age of 92.

Abubakar was the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi local government area. He rose to national and international prominence after opening his mosque and home to people fleeing violence during coordinated attacks on several communities in the area.

On June 23, 2018, suspected bandits stormed parts of Barkin Ladi, killing scores of residents and forcing many others to flee. As people ran for safety, Abubakar sheltered those who reached his compound, hiding at least 300 Christians in the mosque. He reportedly refused to hand them over when assailants demanded they be released.

Those under his protection remained there until calm was restored.

The cleric’s actions drew widespread admiration within and outside Nigeria. He was nominated by the federal government for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger and later received a handshake from the late President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his bravery.

In 2019, the United States government awarded him the International Religious Freedom Award. The US Department of State said the honour recognised his willingness to risk his life to save others.

Speaking in interviews after the incident, Abubakar said saving lives was a moral duty that transcended religious differences, adding that his actions were guided by compassion and respect for humanity.

His death has been described as the loss of a symbol of interfaith solidarity in a region frequently affected by communal violence.

Reacting to the news, Plateau governor Caleb Mutfwang described the late cleric as a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership. In a condolence message, the governor said Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him national and international recognition.

Mutfwang said the imam’s death was a major loss to his family, community and the state, noting that his leadership helped foster forgiveness and peaceful coexistence across Plateau.

He urged residents of Barkin Ladi to uphold the values of compassion and unity that Abubakar represented, while praying for comfort and strength for the family he left behind.