By Danjuma Amodu | January 21, 2026
The United States Mission in Nigeria has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who passed away on 15 January at the age of 92.
In a statement released on Tuesday on the U.S. Mission official X handle, the Mission hailed the late cleric as a “fearless advocate for religious tolerance” whose lifelong outreach across faiths helped forge lasting bonds of community in Plateau State and beyond.
Imam Abdullahi, chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, earned national and international acclaim for his courageous actions during the June 2018 violence in Barkin Ladi. When armed assailants targeted Christian residents, he opened his mosque and home to shelter roughly 300 people, refusing to hand them over despite threats to his own life. His bravery saved hundreds of lives and set a powerful example of humanity over division.
In recognition of that heroic intervention, the US Department of State formally honoured him with the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award, citing his “courageous efforts” and his role in promoting peaceful co-existence. The award placed him among a select group of global religious leaders celebrated for defending freedom of belief.
Beyond that single act, Imam Abdullahi maintained a long history of interfaith dialogue, regularly engaging with Christian leaders, community elders and government officials to mediate disputes and encourage mutual respect. His work earned him a national nomination for the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and a personal acknowledgment from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang described the imam as “a symbol of peace, unity and selfless leadership,” noting that his legacy will continue to resonate across Nigeria and inspire both Nigerians and Americans alike. The US Mission echoed this sentiment, stating that “his humanity positively manifested interfaith coexistence and harmony, and we know his legacy of peace and acceptance will live on.”
Imam Abubakar Abdullahi’s life spanned more than nine decades of Nigeria’s complex religious landscape. Born in 1934, he rose to become chief imam of Nghar village, a position he used to advocate for dialogue in a region often marred by communal clashes.
His decisive action in 2018, when he sheltered fleeing Christians, became a landmark moment in Nigeria’s interfaith relations and attracted global attention. The subsequent US award and national honours cemented his reputation as a bridge‑builder, and his passing marks the end of an era for peace advocates in the country.
