Imam Abubakar Abdullahi: A legacy of courage and peace
The demise of renowned Islamic leader, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Yelwan Nghar, in Gashish District of Plateau’s Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, has elicited commemorative messages from across Nigeria and the international community. Since his death on January 15, 2026, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, Nigerians, from the local to the highest levels […]
FILE PHOTO: US Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr David Young (right) and the Chief Imam of Nghar Village, Abdullahi Abubakar, after the Chief Imam was presented the US Ambassador’s Peacemaker Award for Heroism in recognition of his bravery and putting faith into action in saving the lives of hundreds of his Christian neighbours during attacks on Barkin Ladi, Plateau in June 2018. Ambassador W. Stuart Symington presented the award to him at an interfaith dialogue at the Embassy in Abuja
The demise of renowned Islamic leader, Imam Abubakar Abdullahi of Yelwan Nghar, in Gashish District of Plateau’s Barikin Ladi Local Government Area, has elicited commemorative messages from across Nigeria and the international community. Since his death on January 15, 2026, at the Plateau Specialist Hospital in Jos, Nigerians, from the local to the highest levels of government and politics, have expressed sadness over his demise while remembering his acts of courage, spirit of tolerance, and love for humanity. Imam Abdullahi has no doubt left behind a lasting legacy of respect and peaceful coexistence, unity and togetherness, as well as the spirit of courage.
Since 2018 when he was thrust into the limelight for protecting about 262 Christians who were fleeing a militia group that launched simultaneous attacks on 10 communities in Plateau’s Barikin Ladi LGA, the name Imam Abubakar Abdullahi has inspired courage, faith, devotion to peace and love for humanity. He not only risked his life to shield his neighbours and other community members from their assailants, but also provided shelter and food in his home and the community mosque until it became safe for them to leave.
His uncommon act of courage and sacrifice in a state long plagued by ethno-religious suspicion and intolerance made him a symbol of peace and a shining example of humanity, respect for diversity, as well as selflessness, even in the face of danger. He proved that even in the most perilous of times, the true human spirit can manifest in love, compassion and selfless service.
Through his preaching and actions, many people who were displaced by the attacks on Yelwan Nghar and nearby villages were encouraged to return to their communities and inspired a sense of community resilience for individuals to serve as their brother’s keeper.
Since then, he has received several visits from local, state, national, and international bodies, praising his courage and continued efforts to build ethno-religious trust, preach and maintain peaceful coexistence within his community and the troubled Plateau State. He also received numerous awards, including the International Religious Freedom Award by the United States Government and the Nigerian Government’s national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (OON).
But despite the popularity, Imam Abdullahi chose to remain in his mud house in Yelwa, a community he loved so much and where he is now buried. He lived as he died, a simple man with a simple message of peaceful coexistence, tucked in the middle of a small community with little or no basic infrastructure, yet he made one of the most profound and enduring impacts.
Judging by the outpouring of heartfelt condolences following his passing, it is evident that Imam Abdullahi’s death deeply shook many Nigerians who regarded it not merely as the loss of a revered cleric but as a personal tragedy for the entire nation.
In a 2018 interview, the Imam, son of a miner from Akuyam in the Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State, told Daily Trust that at an early age he had travelled to communities in Yobe, Gombe, and other parts of the North East in search of Islamic education. He eventually joined his parents, who had settled in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, with the intention of enrolling in the Nigerian Army. “I had signed to join, but because my father had aged, I felt he needed me more at home, and so I stayed back. I guess it just wasn’t meant to be,” he said in 2018.
In the face of Nigeria’s multiple security challenges, we at Daily Trust call on individuals, communities and institutions to uphold and advance Imam Abubakar Abdullahi’s message of peace and tolerance. We urge Nigerian religious clerics to emulate his preaching, actions and lifestyle by fostering interfaith harmony, promoting justice, and living as exemplars of peace within their communities. We also urge the Plateau State Government to honour his legacy in a meaningful way that reflects his teachings, acts of bravery and lifelong commitment to peace, thereby advancing the state’s broader goal of lasting harmony. His act of uncommon courage, selflessness and compassion should never be forgotten.
While extending our condolences to all Nigerians, especially his immediate family, the people of Yelwan Nghar, Barikin Ladi and Plateau State, we pray Allah has mercy on his soul and grants him Aljannah Firdausi.