Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who protected 262 Christians during communal violence, is dead.
Saleh Abubakar, a son of the Imam, confirmed the death on Friday, saying his father died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.
According to him, his father died ten days after he was admitted. He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem and had been going for regular check-ups, but his health had remained unstable since the diagnosis.
Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90, leaving behind 19 children, including 12 boys and seven girls.
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In June 2018, amid deadly faith-based communal clashes that engulfed 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar hid 262 Christians in a mosque and his residence until the violence subsided, saving them from possible death.
He received several awards for his bravery, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019.
The late Imam will be buried today after Jumma’at prayers in Nghar village.
DAILYTRUST
