A revered Nigerian religious leader, widely respected for protecting hundreds of Christians during violent attacks in Plateau state, has died at the age of 90.
Abubakar Abdullahi passed away on Thursday evening while being treated for a heart condition, his son confirmed to BBC Hausa.
The imam became known internationally in 2018 when violence erupted in central Nigeria, forcing families from a nearby village to flee for their lives. Many of them ran toward the Muslim-majority area where Abdullahi lived, seeking safety from gunmen who were attacking homes and shooting indiscriminately.
Instead of turning them away, Abdullahi took immediate action to protect them. He provided shelter for 262 people, taking women into his own house and guiding men to the mosque.
"I first took the women to my personal house to hide them. Then I took the men to the mosque," Abdullahi told BBC Pidgin.
The attackers, estimated to be about 300 armed men believed to be cattle herders, later demanded that he hand over the villagers. He refused, and along with members of his community, he confronted the men with cries and pleas for them to leave. Surprisingly, the attackers withdrew but went on to set two nearby churches ablaze.
Reflecting on his decision to protect the vulnerable, Abdullahi said:
"God created mankind differently, but he wants us to live together in peace and harmony, and not harm each other."
The violence in Plateau state is part of an ongoing conflict in central Nigeria, where clashes between farming communities and nomadic herders often erupt over land and grazing resources. The farmers are largely Christians from the Berom ethnic group, while the herders belong mainly to the Muslim Fulani community.
The attacks have drawn international attention. US President Donald Trump has criticized the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christians, though officials have said all religious groups face threats in different areas.
Abdullahi’s courageous stand earned him several high-profile awards. In 2019, then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award.
In 2022, then-President Muhammadu Buhari honoured him with one of Nigeria’s top national awards, praising his bravery and moral leadership.
Plateau state governor Caleb Mutfwang described the imam’s death as a "monumental loss" to the community. "His life was distinguished by an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children," the governor said in a condolence message.
Abdullahi is remembered not only for his faith, but also as a figure who placed humanity and compassion above fear during one of Plateau state’s darkest periods.
