Plateau Imam who sheltered Christians during attack dies

Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has passed away.

The late cleric became nationally and internationally known in June 2018, when armed attackers stormed communities in Barkin Ladi.

He opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving almost 300 lives, and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life.

His act of bravery earned him widespread recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government.

The Plateau State Government, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, on Friday, mourned the late Imam

Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi’s death as “a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community, and Plateau State at large.”

According to the statement, the governor said the Imam’s life was distinguished by “unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children.”

The statement added, “Governor Mutfwang observed that the loss comes at a time when the state greatly needed the guidance, wisdom, and unifying presence of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi.

“He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence.”