Imam Who Hid Over 300 Christians During Plateau Attack Receives Emotional Visit Years After Incident

A Nigerian man has shared footage of his emotional visit to Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated globally for saving more than 280 Christians during a deadly attack in Plateau State in 2018. The video has reignited conversations about religious tolerance and courage in the face of danger.

The 2018 Attack on Yelwa Gindi Awati

On 23 June 2018, armed men stormed Yelwa Gindi Awati in the Gishishi District of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, launching a coordinated attack on Christian residents. The attackers, believed to be bandits, descended on the community during a period of heightened tension in the region.

Residents fled in panic as the violence unfolded, with many running toward the local mosque in hopes of finding safety. The incident, which lasted several hours, resulted in the deaths of more than 80 villagers before security forces intervened.

How Imam Abubakar Risked His Life

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who was the chief imam of the village at the time, immediately opened the doors of his mosque to Christians escaping the violence. According to eyewitnesses and survivors, he then guided additional victims into his home when the mosque could no longer contain everyone seeking refuge.

When the attackers arrived at the mosque, they confronted the Imam and demanded that he surrender the Christians hiding within the premises. The cleric lay on the ground in front of the mosque entrance and told them they would have to kill him first before harming anyone under his protection.

The attackers later went to his home and threatened to break down the door if the Christians inside were not released. Again, the Imam refused, insisting that they would have to take his life before touching the people he was sheltering. His defiance forced the attackers to withdraw without gaining access to either location.

Tragedy and Survival

While the Imam was able to protect more than 280 men, women, and children, not all residents made it to safety. Survivors reported that over 80 people were killed in the attack, including those caught by the assailants before reaching the mosque.

Emotional Visit by Content Creator

In the recent video shared on social media, the visitor known as The African Hawk described meeting the cleric as one of the most remarkable experiences of his life. He said, “This is Imam Abubakar. He saved over 300 Christians during an attack on his village by bandits.”
He added that speaking with the Imam reminded him that Nigeria remains a nation filled with people of compassion, courage, and humanity despite its recurring religious and ethnic conflicts.

Recognition and International Praise

Imam Abubakar’s bravery attracted widespread recognition both within Nigeria and abroad. He received an award from the Christian Association of Nigeria and was honoured by the United States Mission in Nigeria for his extraordinary courage, which has since been studied as an example of interfaith solidarity.

A Lasting Symbol of Unity

The Imam’s actions continue to serve as a powerful reminder of the possibility of peaceful coexistence. Many Nigerians have praised him as a national hero whose selflessness demonstrated the strength of unity across religious lines, even in the face of extreme violence.