Oluseguin ARIYO
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Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, who famously sheltered 262 Christians during communal violence, has passed away.His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed his death to Daily Trust on Friday, stating that the cleric died on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos.According to Saleh, his father “died ten days after he was admitted” in the hospital.“He was initially diagnosed with a heart problem. He’d go for check-ups and return. His health hadn’t been stable since the heart disease diagnosis.”Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children – 12 sons and seven daughters.In June 2018, during violent, faith-based communal clashes that affected 10 villages in Barkin Ladi, Imam Abubakar sheltered 262 Christians in his mosque and residence until the violence subsided, saving them from certain death.His courage earned him widespread recognition, including the International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United States Department of State in 2019.The late cleric will be laid to rest on Friday (today) in Nghar village after the Juma’at prayers.
