National Hero Imam Abdullahi Abubakar Passes Away at 92

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the revered Islamic cleric who gained global acclaim for saving hundreds of Christians during the 2018 Plateau State attacks, has passed away.

The 92-year-old humanitarian died on Thursday night, January 15, 2026, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos following a period of illness related to a heart condition.

The late Imam became a symbol of peace and interfaith harmony during the June 2018 crisis in the Barkin Ladi local government area. As armed men attacked the Nghar community, Abubakar provided refuge to over 300 people—predominantly Christians from the Berom ethnic group—by hiding them within his home and his mosque.

When the attackers arrived and demanded he hand over the fleeing residents, the Imam stood his ground, pleaded with the gunmen, and refused to reveal their location, effectively saving their lives.

Abubakar’s bravery earned him deep respect both within Nigeria and on the international stage. He was honored by the federal government with the national title of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and was personally commended by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In 2019, the United States Department of State presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award for his exceptional courage in the face of religious violence.

He was frequently cited by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and various peace organizations as a “true man of God” whose actions transcended religious boundaries.

His death is widely regarded as the loss of a moral compass for the nation. Tributes have begun to pour in from across the country, celebrating a man who prioritized human life over ethnic and religious differences.