Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has died. His passing was confirmed on Friday by the Plateau State Government, which described his death as a major loss to the state.
The cleric rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 after armed attackers invaded communities in Barkin Ladi. During the violence, he opened his mosque and private residence to shelter hundreds of Christians, reportedly saving nearly 300 lives, and refused to surrender them despite threats to his own life.
His courageous act earned him global recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the United States government. Governor Caleb Mutfwang said Imam Abdullahi lived a life defined by peace, unity, and protection of the vulnerable, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion and coexistence.