In a remarkable display of compassion and bravery, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, a revered figure in Nigeria’s central Plateau State, has passed away at the age of 90. The imam’s unwavering commitment to peace and the protection of vulnerable individuals earned him international recognition and the highest national honours.
Abdullahi’s heroic actions came to the fore in 2018, when he risked his own life to shelter hundreds of fleeing Christians from a violent attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen. As the villagers sought refuge in his community, the imam immediately sprang into action, initially hiding the women in his personal home and then sheltering the men in the local mosque.
When the assailants demanded that the imam hand over the displaced individuals, he steadfastly refused, pleading with the attackers to leave. To the astonishment of many, the herdsmen complied, though they later set two nearby churches on fire.
The imam’s selfless act of defiance and his willingness to put his own safety on the line to save the lives of those in need have been widely praised. In 2022, he was awarded a national honour by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, who commended his bravery, and three years earlier, the US State Department honoured him with the International Religious Freedom Award.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Abdullahi’s passing as a “monumental loss” to the community, praising his “unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children.”
The imam’s story has resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders, serving as a powerful testament to the transformative power of interfaith solidarity and the importance of standing up for the most vulnerable in times of crisis. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the complex dynamics of religious and ethnic tensions, Abdullahi’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps, bridging divides and saving lives.
