American rapper Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, better known as Nicki Minaj, has appealed for urgent global intervention over what she described as the ongoing targeting of Christians in Nigeria.
Minaj delivered the message while speaking at a United States Mission to the United Nations conference focused on Combating Religious Violence and the Killing of Christians in Nigeria.
She stressed that no community should face attacks or discrimination simply because of their religious beliefs.
The award-winning rapper explained that her concern was rooted in humanity, not partisanship, noting that her goal was to encourage unity.
“I want to make it very clear, once again, that 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,” she said.
ALSO READ
Minaj also acknowledged former U.S. President Donald Trump for drawing attention to the situation, urging world leaders to work together to address religious extremism and safeguard affected communities.
She added, “Faith is under attack in way too many places 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 simply because of how they pray.”
Her comments came shortly after Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), alleging widespread attacks on Christians. In remarks shared on his Truth Social page, he cautioned that persistent killings could lead to severe consequences.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria,” Trump posted, warning that U.S. forces may intervene to “wipe out” the terrorists responsible.
The Nigerian government has firmly rejected claims of religious persecution. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the country remains committed to religious freedom and diversity.
Ebienfa said, “Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.”
He emphasised that insecurity affects Nigerians regardless of their religious background and assured that the government is working to restore stability nationwide.
