Nigeria, Jan. 16 -- Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of Yelwa, Gindin Akwati in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, has died, sparking an outpouring of tributes across Nigeria and beyond.

The revered cleric rose to national and international prominence in June 2018 after armed attackers invaded communities in Barkin Ladi. In a rare display of courage and humanity, Imam Abdullahi opened his mosque and personal residence to shelter hundreds of fleeing Christians, reportedly saving nearly 300 lives. He stood his ground and refused to hand them over despite threats to his own life.

His selfless actions earned him global recognition, including the 2019 International Religious Freedom Award presented by the United State...