Dare Babalola
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State, has passed away.
The late cleric gained national and international recognition in June 2018 after armed attackers ravaged communities in Barkin Ladi.
He courageously opened his mosque and home to shelter hundreds of Christians, saving nearly 300 lives, and defied threats to his own life by refusing to hand them over to the attackers.
His courageous act earned him global recognition, notably the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award from the US government.
The Plateau State Government, in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, has expressed condolences on the passing of the late Imam.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi’s death as “a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community, and Plateau State at large.”
According to the statement, the governor said the Imam’s life was distinguished by “unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children.”
The statement added, “Governor Mutfwang observed that the loss comes at a time when the state greatly needed the guidance, wisdom, and unifying presence of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi.
“He urged the immediate family and the entire community to take solace in the knowledge that the late Imam lived a life of faith, compassion, and fairness, leaving behind a legacy of service and peaceful coexistence.”
