The Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau state, Abubakar Abdullahi, has died at the age of 90.
Bellnews reports that 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.
He also received several awards for his bravery, including the International Religious Freedom Award from the US Department of State in 2019.
Confirming the demise, a son of the Imam, Saleh Abubakar, who spoke with Daily Trust, said that his father died Thursday night at Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.
According to the deceased’s son, his father was diagnosed with a heart problem and had been going to the hospital for check-ups.
Abubakar said, “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.”
Imam Abubakar, who is survived by 19 children, including 12 boys and 7 girls, will be buried today after Jumma’at Prayer in Nghar village.