BREAKING: Imam Who Hid 262 Christians During Plateau Attacks Dies at 90

BREAKING: Imam Who Hid 262 Christians During Plateau Attacks Dies at 90

Nigeria is mourning the death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the respected Muslim cleric who became a national symbol of courage after saving 262 Christians during the 2018 Plateau State attacks. The imam died on Thursday night after a brief illness, according to family sources.

Imam Abdullahi, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, earned global recognition when violent attacks swept through surrounding communities in June 2018. As gunmen stormed villages, he opened his mosque and personal residence, hiding hundreds of fleeing Christians and standing firm against threats from attackers.

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His actions helped avert a far greater tragedy and quickly drew national and international attention as a rare example of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and humanitarian courage amid sectarian violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

In recognition of his bravery, Imam Abdullahi received several honours, including the US International Religious Freedom Award, and was widely celebrated by Christian and Muslim leaders alike as a bridge-builder between faiths.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with many describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria’s struggle for unity and peace. Community leaders say his legacy will endure as a reminder that humanity must rise above religious and ethnic divisions, even in times of crisis.

The late cleric is survived by his children and grandchildren and will be buried in his hometown in accordance with Islamic rites.

BREAKING: Imam Who Hid 262 Christians During Plateau Attacks Dies at 90