A man has shared video of his emotional encounter with Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric who risked his life to protect over 280 Christians during a violent attack in Plateau State in 2018.
The imam’s heroic act earned him recognition from the United States Mission in Nigeria and an award from the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The Deadly Attack on Yelwa Gindi Awati
In June 2018, armed men attacked Yelwa Gindi Awati, a community in the Gishishi District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The attackers, allegedly bandits, sought to harm Christian residents in the area.
The content creator, @theafricanhawk, said of his visit:
“This is Imam Abubakar. He saved over 300 Christians during an attack on his village by bandits.”
He added: “During my visit, I met with the Imam who saved these Christians during the bandit attack on the community.”
How the Imam Saved Lives
According to the visitor, Imam Abdullahi hid fleeing Christian residents inside his mosque and also in his own home.
“Imam Abubakar took the Christian Birom people to the mosque and kept them safe inside. When the bandits arrived at the mosque, he refused to let them enter to kill the people who had sought refuge there,” he said.
Unfortunately, not everyone made it to safety.
“Some of the Birom people, unfortunately, were unable to make it to the mosque before the bandits caught up with them, resulting in the deaths of over 80 individuals. However, the Imam managed to save 300 others, keeping some of them in the mosque and others in his own home.”
Confronting the Attackers
The content creator explained how the attackers demanded the Christians be handed over.
“The bandits, speaking in Hausa, demanded that he bring the people out of the mosque, as they had received information about the Christians hiding there. They also went to his home, threatening to break down the door if he didn’t open it. Imam Abubakar, however, bravely lay on the floor, telling them to kill him first before entering his room to kill the Birom Christians.”
“The Imam, a Fulani man, made an incredible sacrifice for over 300 Christians, showing the humanity that can exist even amid religious and communal tensions,” he added.
A Message of Unity
Reflecting on the encounter, the content creator said:
“Despite the religious and communal clashes in the country, there are still good Christians and Muslims. In fact, the majority of Nigerians are good people…”
Recognition for Bravery
Imam Abdullahi Abubakar’s courage has earned him awards and recognition both locally and internationally.
See below;
@theafricanhawk Imam Aboubacar saved over 300 Christians by hiding them in the mosques when the bandts came to his community. This happened in the village of Yelwa Gindi Akwati in Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau State #nigeria #theafricanhawk #america Tag VDM, Seyi Tinubu and others on these yall
