By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Chief Imam of Yelwa community in Gindin Akwati, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of PlateauState, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who gained national and international recognition for sheltering hundreds of Christians during deadly attacks in 2018, is dead, reports thegazellenews.com
The revered cleric passed away on Friday, 16 January,2026 drawing tributes from the Plateau State Government and residents who described his death as a significant loss to the state and the nation at large.
Imam Abdullahi rose to prominence in June 2018 when armed attackers invaded several communities in Barkin Ladi. During the violence, he reportedly opened both his mosque and his personal residence to protect Christians fleeing the attacks.
Despite threats to his own life, he refused to surrender those under his care, an action widely credited with saving nearly 300 lives.
As a result of his courage and commitment to peaceful coexistence, the late Imam earned widespread acclaim, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States government.
Reacting to his death, the Plateau State Government, in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the cleric.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang was quoted as describing the death as “a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community, and Plateau State at large.”
According to the statement, the governor noted that Imam Abdullahi’s life was marked by an “unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the protection of the vulnerable, particularly women and children.”
He further observed that the loss came at a time when the state urgently needed the Imam’s guidance, wisdom and unifying influence.
The Governor also urged the family and the wider community to draw comfort from the legacy left behind, stating that the late Imam lived a life defined by faith, compassion and fairness, while promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi Will be remembered as a symbol of courage, tolerance and humanity whose actions during one of Plateau State’s darkest moments continue to inspire calls for unity and peace across Nigeria.
