Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who became known for protecting hundreds of Christians during communal violence, has died.

His death was confirmed on Friday by his son, Salah Abubakar, who disclosed that the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos. He explained that the Imam had been receiving treatment for several days after suffering complications linked to a heart condition.

“He 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.”

The late Imam died at the age of 90 and is survived by 19 children — 12 sons and seven daughters.

Imam Abdullahi rose to prominence in June 2018 during deadly religious violence that swept through 10 villages in Barkin Ladi. At the height of the attacks, he sheltered 262 Christians in a mosque and his personal residence, keeping them safe until calm was restored.

His courageous act drew widespread local and international admiration, earning him several recognitions, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.