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Untold story of Islamic leader and chief imam of Nghar village in Plateau State, Abdullahi Abubakar, who saved the lives of 262 Christians on the verge of being killed by Islamic fundamentalists
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Nghar village also known as Yelwa-Gindin Akwatti of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, came to a standstill on January 16, 2026, when sympathisers from across various faiths gathered to pay their last respects to the late Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who died of cardiac arrest at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, the state capital.
The over 90 years old Islamic cleric was the shade of Nghar community, a binding force that gave his all for the peaceful coexistence of the ancient colonial mining community in the state, where he saved over 262 Christians from bloody attacks by some extremists in his mosque and residential house at Nghar community of Barkin-Ladi in 2018.
The remarkable act of courage earned him about 14 different awards for risking his life and promoting humanity at local, national and international levels.
The youngest son of the imam, Mr. Saleh Abubakar, who is in his 30s, a graduate of human physiology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, gave an account of the life of his father and his struggles to take care of himself in the already saturated labour market, especially when he lost his job at the Obafemi Owolowo Teaching Hospital, Ife, Osun State, due to job racketeering
Saleh told Daily Sun the story of his father: “Our father came to Nghar village, which we often called Yelwa-Gindin Akwatti, in his youthful age when the British and other foreign companies were engaged in tin mining operations.
“Our father came from Akuyan village in Misau local government area of Bauchi State. He came down from Bauchi as a teacher of the Islamic faith and stayed here till his death.
“His major occupation was farming, mining and herding his animals. Through farming and mining, which were his major occupations, he was able to send my elder brothers to school, some embraced skills and some trading. Today, we have one that is a teacher, we have one a driver at a blue chip company and so many are into business.”
Daily Sun gathered that the late imam had 26 children, some died and he left behind 19 children, out of whom 12 are male while seven are female. “The eldest daughter of Baba, whose name is Memuna, is over 60 years old, and the eldest son of Baba, whose his name is Musa, is also over 50 years of age. It will interest you to know that Baba has over 100 grandchildren,” Saleh stated.
The young Saleh was one of the closest sons of Baba in his old age. He accompanied his father to received his national award from former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
He shared fond memories of his father and the lessons as well as the path their father left for them to follow. He said, as young boy that lost his mother at a very tender age and had to grow up with his eldest sister’s husband, every little opportunity that provided itself, he rushed to be around his old father till death.
“Anytime we were with Baba, he would say, in life, there are three key things we must imbibe to live in peace with people around us and to be at peace with our maker: Always have the fear of God, this will guide you not to cheat anybody or take what is not your own. Be humane; humanity makes you see people as your brothers and sisters, irrespective of their tribes or religious beliefs. Because you can’t create life and you shouldn’t take it or harm it. And then we should always be patient.
“We never knew Baba had touched so many lives like this until his demise. I know of the incident of 2018 where he saved Christians within Nghar and the neighboring communities in the mosque and in our house, which has earned him both national and global recognition. Aside from that, there were so many testimonies that we can’t believe what our ears heard and our eye have seen the creme de la creme of personalities coming to this remote area to identify with us.
“What we want as his children is for his legacy of love for one another, humanity, to be uphold by his deputy chief imam, the entire community, Barkin-Ladi LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria and the world at large, that is our simple wish.
“We also want government to look into the needs of the community, which have to do with road, employment opportunities for the large number of graduates in the locality, good healthcare system, school, water as well as agricultural support.”
Out of the 19 children of late Imam Abubakar, two of his sons Yahya and Ilyasu, have chosen to wear the shoe of their late father as Islamic teachers and clerics so that the values of the late imam will be sustained through generations to come.
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar was the Chief Imam of Nghar village (Gindin Akwatti or Ex-Land) in Barkin Ladi local government area of the state. He passed away after a brief illness, according to his son.
The late Islamic cleric became prominent following his extraordinary act of courage on June 23, 2018, when armed assailants attacked several communities in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving dozens dead. The late Abubakar opened the doors of his mosque and home to at least 262 Christians who were fleeing the violence and he refused to hand them over to the attackers.
His selfless act earned him national and international recognition for his bravery. The Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), and he was personally commended by then President Buhari.
In 2019, the United States government also presented him with the International Religious Freedom Award, describing him as “a beacon of peace and interfaith harmony” for risking his life to save others.
Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang described the death of Imam Abubakar as a colossal loss to the state, especially now that his types are needed to deepen and sustain the peace efforts his administration has made since assumption in office.
In a condolence message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, Ph.D, Mutfwang acknowledged Abubakar’s commitment to interfaith harmony and protection of the vulnerable earned him the respect of Nigerians and the global community.
The governor described the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi as a monumental loss to his immediate family, his community and Plateau State at large.
He commended the late cleric for his tireless advocacy for interfaith harmony, building bridges of forgiveness, compassion and empathy among diverse communities across the state and beyond.
The governor further noted that the revered community leader dedicated his life to the advancement, development and well-being of his people, and that his sudden passing leaves a significant void in the leadership of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati, and Barkin Ladi LGA.
Mutfwang prayed to God to raise leaders of integrity and wisdom to continue with the legacy exemplified by the late imam and reiterated that the loss came 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.
“On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all those mourning the loss of Imam Abubakar, I pray that Almighty God grants them comfort and strength to bear the painful loss,” he stated.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Plateau State Chapter, also shared in the pain of the death of Imam Abubakar. The state’s CAN secretary, Rev. Simon Julius, described the late imam as a rare figure whose courage and legacy transcended religious boundaries.
“In every religion, there are good and bad. For us, the late imam will be remembered for his courage and for saving human lives,” said Rev. Julius
He also sympathize with the Muslim ummah over the loss and urged individuals to emulate the lifestyle of Imam Abdullahi for the betterment of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
National publicity secretary of Berom Youths Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, described the death of Imam Abubakar as a huge loss to the troubled Barkin-Ladi, which needed his type most considering his relentless efforts to ensure peace, particularly in the community, Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.
