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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
American rapper Nicki Minaj has called for urgent international action over the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, warning that communities are being attacked, churches burned, and families torn apart, during a United Nations event hosted by U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz on Tuesday.
Minaj, who has frequently spoken on the issue in recent times, revealed she was invited to the event after her social media posts on X caught the attention of the U.S. diplomat.
She began her remarks by thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for prioritizing the protection of Christians globally.
Minaj emphasized the role of music in promoting unity across cultures and faiths, insisting that religious freedom should enable everyone to freely express their beliefs.
She warned that faith was “under attack in way too many places,” noting the severity of the situation in Nigeria:
“In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted, driven from their homes and killed. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly simply because of how they pray. This crisis demands urgent action.”
Minaj stressed that her position was neither political nor divisive:
“I want to be clear, protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity.”
Concluding her speech, the rapper reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of the persecuted:
“I want to make it clear once again, this isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice. It’s about what I’ve always stood for my entire career, and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life.”
Her remarks come after President Trump recently flagged Nigeria as a potential addition to the U.S. list of Countries of Particular Concern, warning that continued attacks on Christians could lead to an immediate halt to U.S. aid and assistance, and even the possibility of military intervention