Nigeria, Jan. 16 -- Abdullahi Abubakar, the Muslim cleric celebrated for protecting hundreds of Christians during a 2018 communal violence in Plateau State, has died.

He was 92.

Mr Abubakar, the chief imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, died on Thursday, family and community sources said.

He received national and international praise in June 2018 after he opened his mosque and home to people fleeing deadly attacks by armed assailants in Barkin Ladi and neighbouring communities.

At the height of the violence, he reportedly sheltered about 300 Christians, refusing demands by attackers to hand them over.

He also mobilised local youths to help guard those taking refuge, an act widely praised as a rare display of c...