President Muhammadu Buhari will on October 11, 2022, at the State House in Abuja present national honour to Imam Abubakar Abdullahi.
The cleric risked his own life to save Christians who were in danger on June 23, 2018.
On that fateful day, Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State were invaded by bandits.
Abdullahi had just finished midday prayers when he and his congregation heard gunshots and went outside to see members of the town’s Christian community fleeing.
The cleric hid 262 of them in the mosque and in his home close by.
Many of those he provided shelter for were from the Berom ethnic group which is predominantly Christian.
According to reports, the mosque is now the home and refuge of those hidden by Abdullahi.
On July 17, 2019, the US Department of State presented an annual award for courageous acts in upholding religious freedom anywhere in the world.
Abdullahi was one of the five people honoured with the International Religious Freedom Award.
The cleric was born in Bauchi State around 1936 and has lived in Nghar for 60 years.
Many have commended him for his heroic act and his history of outreach across religious divides.
