Imam Abdullahi Abubakar: From aspiring soldier to community savior

The 15th of January every year marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria, honoring the sacrifices of our gallant soldiers on various battlefields. For the people of Plateau State, this day in 2026 became especially poignant. It was when Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, the renowned Muslim cleric of Yelwa village in the Gindin Akwati, Nghar area, of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, bade farewell to the world.

Imam Abubakar passed away at Plateau State Specialist Hospital from respiratory failure after a prolonged illness. He died on Thursday evening around 10 p.m., as announced by his family. Even in his final moments, he urged the community to live in peace, the guiding purpose of his life.

More than 50 years ago, after completing Qur’anic education in Maiduguri (where his father, Malam Abubakar Tsoho, had sent him), the young Abdullahi returned to Yelwa. He told his father he wanted to enlist in the Nigerian Army during the civil war against Biafran rebels. His father refused, arranging his marriage and sending him to the farm instead.

This early heroism was no accident. The Imam had long harboured a passion to serve and protect his country and community, a drive that shone during the horrific terrorist attack on June 23, 2018. Those who knew him described him as brave, strong, and fearless, though few knew of his youthful military aspirations. Ironically, he died on the day honouring fallen heroes of the Civil War and other battles. Though he never wore a uniform, he sacrificed with a soldier’s courage to save his community.

Imam Abubakar’s humility, lack of arrogance, and gentle conduct won him universal respect. Soft-spoken with a cool temperament, he left a lasting impression. In every encounter, his wisdom and passion made hearts yearn for more. Our first meeting was in 2019, a year after ethnic clashes between farmers and herders in Riyom and Barkin Ladi. He had led a major rescue operation during the June 23, 2018 attack, sheltering hundreds fleeing terrorists. When I asked what gave him courage, especially after attackers killed his brother that day, he replied simply, “I did what Islam taught me. This is the life the Prophet of Allah (SAW) taught his companions.”

In 2019, he received national awards from Buhari and the U.S. government, plus honors from several international organizations in and outside the country for his heroism. Most were certificates or plaques, offering no financial or community support. Visitors to Yelwa would be shocked: the Imam lived in abject poverty with his family, his modest home a far cry from his fame. A brave farmer, he shared food freely, but conditions were pitiable. It was said the government once gave him one million naira and sponsored two Hajj pilgrimages. His youngest son, Saleh Abdullahi, said the Imam distributed the money to relatives and neighbors before returning home.

Greed and fame held no appeal for him. He never compromised his dignity for politicians, staying rooted in Yelwa except for Jos or Barkin Ladi engagements. A community leader, Irmiya Magit, recalled fundraising for the town mosque, unaware it would later shelter them during attacks: “Malam was a good man—a different kind of person.”

A Christian neighbor, Ajuji Hamidu, raised alongside the family, called him a father figure who embraced all without discrimination. Resident Davou Gyang mourned, “Every morning, he would walk around the neighborhood, greeting neighbors and checking on them. We’ll never forget him.”

The question is, who will replace him? Or will unity endure in the community? His deputy, Malam Abdullahi Umar, vowed they would carry on his discipline and peace-building spirit. They urged authorities and organizations not to neglect his family, Yelwa village, or the Nghar community, demanding fulfilled promises for security and development from the government and relevant authorities.

Imam Abdullahi’s life brims with lessons: selfless service, interfaith harmony, and quiet courage amid neglect.

Yakubu, is a Jos based multimedia journalist and public affairs analyst.

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