Heroic Imam Abubakar Abdullahi Passes at 90

The world loses a beacon of peace as Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the courageous cleric who stood between life and death for hundreds of Christians, has died at the age of 90. His passing marks the end of a life defined by an extraordinary act of humanity that resonated far beyond the borders of Nigeria.

The Imam of Nghar village in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State breathed his last on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the news, noting that the revered leader had been battling heart-related complications.

In June 2018, when a wave of brutal communal violence swept through ten villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abdullahi chose compassion over tribalism. As armed men descended upon the area, he threw open the doors of his mosque and his personal home.

Inside those walls, 262 Christians found sanctuary. He stood at the entrance, pleading with the attackers to spare the innocent, even offering his own life in exchange for theirs. His bravery prevented what would have been an unimaginable massacre.

Because of this selfless act, the Imam became a global symbol of interfaith harmony. In 2019, his heroism was recognized on the international stage when he received the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State.

Saleh Abubakar shared that his father’s health had been fragile since the heart disease diagnosis. He had been a frequent visitor to the hospital for check-ups but was admitted ten days ago as his condition worsened.

The Imam, a father to 19 children, leaves behind a legacy of tolerance that serves as a blueprint for peace in a region often fractured by religious tension. He will be laid to rest today following Jumma’at prayers in his home village of Nghar.

As the state mourns the loss of a peacemaker, there is a glimmer of relief in a separate security development. The Plateau State Government has announced the successful rescue of 25 children who had been held captive by armed kidnappers.

These children were snatched on December 21, 2025, while traveling along the Zak–Sabon Layi Road to attend a Maulud celebration. The kidnappers had reportedly used a chilling tactic, disguising themselves as local vigilantes to intercept the convoy.

While three children managed to escape during the initial ambush, the others remained in captivity for weeks. The Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, addressed the press in Jos, characterizing the rescue as a pivotal breakthrough for local security forces.

Jatau emphasized the gravity of the incident, noting that the disguise used by the kidnappers was particularly deceptive. The safe return of the children brings a measure of solace to the community of Wase, which had been in a state of distress since the abduction.

The news of the rescue and the Imam’s passing create a poignant moment for Plateau State. One highlights the ongoing struggle against insecurity, while the other celebrates a man who proved that individual courage can still triumph over darkness.

Imam Abdullahi’s story remains a testament to the power of religious leadership when used to protect, rather than divide. His life’s work ended with the quiet dignity of a man who knew he had served his community and his conscience.

The funeral in Nghar today is expected to draw a diverse crowd, reflecting the many lives he touched. Neighbors of all faiths are gathering to pay their final respects to the man who saw them not as strangers, but as fellow human beings.