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Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated for protecting Christians during the 2018 Plateau violence, has died at the age of 92.
Abubakar served as the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. He gained national and international recognition after he opened his mosque and home to people fleeing attacks by armed men during the crisis.
On June 23, 2018, suspected bandits carried out coordinated assaults on communities in Barkin Ladi, killing many residents. As people fled for safety, Abubakar sheltered at least 300 Christians in his mosque and residence and rejected demands from attackers who sought to harm them.
He continued to offer refuge until calm returned to the area, an act of courage that drew widespread praise within Nigeria and abroad.
In recognition of his bravery, the federal government nominated him for the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON). He also received personal commendation from the late President Muhammadu Buhari. In 2019, the United States government honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award, citing his willingness to risk his life to protect others.
Abubakar consistently said his actions reflected a moral duty that rose above religious differences, guided by compassion and respect for humanity.
His death has been described as the loss of a strong symbol of interfaith unity in a region often troubled by communal conflict.
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 commitment to interfaith harmony and the protection of the vulnerable earned him national and global admiration.
Mutfwang added that Abubakar’s passing was a great loss to his family, community and Plateau State, and urged residents of Barkin Ladi to uphold the values of compassion, forgiveness and unity that he represented.
