Nigeria mourns the loss of a true icon of peace and interfaith harmony as Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the cleric who gained global acclaim for saving over 300 Christians during a 2018 massacre in Plateau State, has passed away at the age of 92.
Family sources confirmed that the revered Imam died peacefully earlier today, Friday, 16 January 2026, in his home in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Imam Abubakar became a symbol of humanity during the June 2018 ethnic and religious clashes in Plateau State. When armed attackers descended on the village of Nghar, he did the unthinkable:
He opened the doors of his mosque and his personal home to hundreds of fleeing Christians from neighbouring villages.
When the attackers arrived and demanded that he release the Christians, the Imam stood at the door, refusing to budge and pleading with them to take his life instead of his guests.
His bravery saved the lives of at least 300 people, preventing a bloodbath that would have scarred the nation forever.
The Imam’s act of selflessness was recognized both at home and abroad, earning him several prestigious awards:
| Award | Organization | Significance |
| International Religious Freedom Award | U.S. State Department | Recognized by the U.S. for “extraordinary courage.” |
| National Honour (Member of the Order of the Niger) | Federal Govt of Nigeria | Nigeria’s official recognition of his heroism. |
| Peace Ambassador | Various NGOs | Labeled a “living saint” of the Middle Belt. |
“Today, we lost a father of the state. Imam Abubakar did not just save lives; he saved our conscience. He proved that the bond of humanity is stronger than the divide of religion. His death is a huge loss to the peace-building efforts in the Middle Belt.”
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN):
“We mourn a brother and a saviour. Our members in Barkin Ladi would not be here today if not for his courage. We pray that his legacy of love continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians.”
In accordance with Islamic rites, the Janaza (funeral prayer) for the late Imam is expected to take place this evening or tomorrow morning at the Barkin Ladi Central Mosque. Thousands of people, including high-ranking government officials and religious leaders from both faiths, are expected to attend.
