Saves 262 Christians - Muslim Extremists

Abubakar Abdullahi, an elderly Muslim Iman saved the lives of 262 Christians fleeing a murderous attack by Muslim Fulani militants in Nigeria. As a result, he was awarded the US International Religious Freedom Award for his selfless risk of his own live on June 23, 2018.

He acted to "save members of another religious community: when the militants attacked at least ten villages in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, killing Christians and burning homes during a two-day rampage.

The 83-year-old imam sheltered the 262 fleeing Christians in Nghar village, hiding women and children in his home and the men in the mosque. Abdullahi then confronted the gunmen and refused them access, insisting everyone inside was Muslim.

He said later that he wanted to help because, 40 years previously, Christians in the area had allowed Muslims to build the mosque.