The revered Muslim cleric Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, widely known in Plateau State as the “Mallam” for his extraordinary act of bravery, has passed away at the age of 90.
Imam Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died on Thursday night, January 15, 2026, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos following complications from a heart condition. He had been receiving treatment there for about ten days. His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the news on Friday, January 16, describing the loss as a profound blow to the family and community.
The late imam gained international acclaim in June 2018 when, amid deadly communal clashes across 10 villages in Barkin Ladi sparked by inter-communal and faith-based tensions he sheltered 262 Christians fleeing armed attackers suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.
As gunmen demanded that Christians be handed over, Imam Abubakar hid women in his home and men in the mosque, boldly confronting the assailants and declaring that everyone present was Muslim. He even offered his own life in exchange, preventing a massacre in Nghar village that day, though over 200 lives were lost elsewhere in the attacks.
In later interviews, the imam explained his actions through shared humanity and reciprocity: Christians in the area had allowed Muslims to build their mosque years earlier, and he believed God created all people equally, with no justification for killing the innocent.
His selfless courage earned him the International Religious Freedom Award from the United States Department of State in 2019, along with widespread praise as a symbol of interfaith harmony, peace, and moral leadership in a region scarred by recurring farmer-herder conflicts and religious tensions.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the imam’s death as a “monumental loss” to his family, community, and the entire state, noting that his life exemplified unwavering commitment to unity, protection of the vulnerable especially women and children, and peaceful coexistence.
The governor highlighted that the loss comes at a critical time when Plateau needs such guiding figures, and urged residents to honor his legacy by upholding compassion and forgiveness.
Burial took place on Friday, January 16, in Nghar village following Juma’at prayers. Imam Abubakar is survived by 19 children; 12 sons and 7 daughters along with many grandchildren.
His passing has sparked tributes across Nigeria and beyond, with many viewing him as a timeless example that humanity can transcend division, even amid grave danger.
