Breaking: Imam Who Risked Life for Over 260 Christians Passes
The world mourns today as news emerges that the legendary Imam Abdullahi Abubakar hero of peace and humanity has passed away at the age of 92. The venerable cleric breathed his last on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Plateau State, leaving behind a legacy that redefined religious tolerance in a region often fractured by communal conflict. Known globally for his unparalleled bravery, Imam Abubakar became a symbol of hope during one of Nigeria’s darkest hours when he stood as a human shield between bloodthirsty attackers and innocent citizens.
The defining moment of his life occurred in June 2018 in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. During a wave of violent coordinated attacks that targeted several villages including Nghar, Yelwa Gindi Akwati, and Gashis, hundreds of terrified Christians fled for their lives. Rather than closing his doors, the Imam welcomed 262 individuals, including women, children, and men, into his home and the local mosque.
When the armed assailants arrived and demanded he hand over the “infidels,” the octogenarian stood at the entrance, prostrating and pleading with the attackers to kill him instead of his guests. His unwavering moral authority and refusal to yield eventually forced the gunmen to retreat, saving hundreds from certain slaughter.
His extraordinary selflessness did not go unnoticed by the international community. In 2019, the United States Department of State honored him with the International Religious Freedom Award, an accolade presented by then Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Domestically, he was recognized by former President Muhammadu Buhari and received numerous peace awards from civil society organizations. Despite the global fame, the Imam remained a humble servant of God in his small community, consistently preaching that the sanctity of human life transcends religious or ethnic boundaries.
The death of Imam Abdullahi Abubakar is being felt far beyond the borders of Plateau State. Tributes have poured in from religious leaders, political figures, and the survivors whose lives he saved. Many describe him as a “Living Saint” whose actions prevented what could have been an even more devastating humanitarian catastrophe. His life serves as a profound rebuttal to extremist ideologies, proving that the core of faith is compassion and the protection of the vulnerable.
As he is laid to rest according to Islamic rites, the vacuum he leaves in the peace building efforts of North Central Nigeria is immense. However, the story of how he risked his life to protect those of a different faith will continue to be told as a masterclass in courage. The Imam Abdullahi Abubakar hero narrative remains a powerful reminder that in the face of absolute hatred, a single man’s conviction can change the course of history and save a generation.