* Abubakar Abdullahi returns to his Creator after brief illness; to be buried after Juma’at
Abubakar Abdullahi, Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state, who protected 262 Christians in the area, is dead.
Saleh Abubakar, a son of the Imam, confirmed his death to Daily Trust on Friday, saying his father died Thursday night at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
According to the deceased’s son, his father “died ten days after he was admitted. He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”
Imam Abubakar died at 90, leaving behind 19 children including 12 boys and 7 girls.
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi had in June 2018 amidst deadly faith based communal clashes that engulfed 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, hid 262 Christians in a mosque and in his house until the conflict was over, and thus saved them from annihilation.
His act of courage earned him several local and international recognitions, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019. He was also the runner-up for Nigerian Muslim Personality of the Year 2019 at the #MNAawards organised by this medium.
Late Abubakar would be buried today after Jumma’at Prayer in Nghar village.
Muslim News Hero: Imam Abdullahi Abubakar
Torrents of encomiums have continued to pour in for Alhaji Abdullahi Abubakar, since the day he saved the lives of no fewer than 300 Christians by accommodating them in his mosque and house, during the June 2018 Plateau crisis, which claimed scores of lives.
The 83-year old Imam of Nghar Village, Gashish District in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State risked his life to save the large number of Christians and some Muslims who sought protection in his mosque against ravaging gunmen who invaded their community.
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Simon Lalong commended the Imam for the heroic act, saying: “What he did not only saved the people of Barkin Ladi LGA, not only Plateau State, but I think the whole of this country because 300 lives is not a small number.” Read more HERE
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