Plateau State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Imam Abdullahi shot to national and global recognition in June 2018 when gunmen launched coordinated attacks on settlements in Barkin Ladi.
At the height of the chaos, the cleric flung open both his mosque and residence, offering refuge to scores of fleeing Christians.
His defiance — which reportedly prevented nearly 300 residents from being killed — drew applause across religious and political divides, as he stood firm despite threats to his own life.
In acknowledgment of his courage and moral leadership, the United States government honoured him with the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award.
Reacting to the news of his death, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi’s passing as “a monumental loss to his family, community and the entire state.”
A statement issued on FridayPlateau mourns Imam who shielded Christians during 2018 attacks
Plateau State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the revered Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
Imam Abdullahi shot to national and global recognition in June 2018 when gunmen launched coordinated attacks on settlements in Barkin Ladi.
At the height of the chaos, the cleric flung open both his mosque and residence, offering refuge to scores of fleeing Christians.
His defiance — which reportedly prevented nearly 300 residents from being killed — drew applause across religious and political divides, as he stood firm despite threats to his own life.
In acknowledgment of his courage and moral leadership, the United States government honoured him with the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award.
Reacting to the news of his death, Governor Caleb Mutfwang described Imam Abdullahi’s passing as “a monumental loss to his family, community and the entire state.”
A statement issued on Friday by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, lauded the cleric’s lifelong dedication to peace-building and the protection of the vulnerable.
Mutfwang noted that the Imam distinguished himself through “unwavering commitment to unity, compassion and defence of women and children,” adding that his death comes at a time Plateau desperately needs his calming voice and moral authority.
He encouraged the family and residents of Barkin Ladi to draw comfort from the knowledge that the late Imam “lived nobly and leaves behind a towering legacy of sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.” by Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs to the governor, lauded the cleric’s lifelong dedication to peace-building and the protection of the vulnerable.
Mutfwang noted that the Imam distinguished himself through “unwavering commitment to unity, compassion and defence of women and children,” adding that his death comes at a time Plateau desperately needs his calming voice and moral authority.
He encouraged the family and residents of Barkin Ladi to draw comfort from the knowledge that the late Imam “lived nobly and leaves behind a towering legacy of sacrifice and peaceful coexistence.”