At UN, Nicki Minaj Highlights Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

Onika Maraj-Petty, widely known as Nicki Minaj, has once again raised her voice regarding the ongoing violence and killings in Nigeria, highlighting the plight of the country’s Christian population. The American rapper, who has increasingly engaged with social and political issues beyond her music career, used her social media platforms to draw attention to what she described as urgent and systematic attacks against Christians in parts of Nigeria.

In a post on her official X account (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Minaj shared a message combining faith and urgency. She opened with a line from a well-known hymn: “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground…” She then issued a direct and emphatic plea: “FREE THE CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA!!!!!!!!!! STOP THIS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” The post reflects her deep concern over reports of ongoing violence and her belief in the need for immediate intervention.

This latest social media activity follows a pattern of engagement by Minaj on the issue of religious violence in Nigeria. In November, she participated in a United Nations-related event focused on global religious freedom, during which she spoke about the alleged persecution of Christians in the country. Her remarks at the event were aligned with statements by U.S. officials, highlighting a broader conversation around religious freedom and security in Nigeria.

Nicki Minaj Calls for Protection of Christians in Nigeria Amid Rising Violence

During the event, U.S. Representative Michael Waltz provided a stark account of the situation, describing it as deliberate and targeted violence rather than random criminal acts. He said, “In the Middle Belt and in the North, churches burn, mothers bury their children for the crime of singing Amazing Grace; pastors have been beheaded for preaching the sermon on the mount. Entire villages wake up to gunfire because they dare to commit the crime of calling Jesus their Lord.” Waltz characterized the attacks as “genocide wearing the mask of chaos,” emphasizing that the apparent disorder in the regions was a façade for systematic targeting of Christian communities.

Waltz also connected the violence to kidnappings and other criminal activities, citing a recent incident where 25 schoolgirls were abducted. He referenced figures from the NGO Open Doors, which indicate that eighty percent of the violence against Christians worldwide is occurring in Nigeria, framing the crisis as both a national and global issue.

Nicki Minaj echoed these concerns, describing Christians in Nigeria as “being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed.” She highlighted the emotional and social impact of the violence, noting that “churches have been burnt, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear constantly, simply because of how they pray.” Minaj framed these attacks as part of a larger, systemic pattern of religious persecution, rather than isolated events, and emphasized the need for international awareness and intervention. She also expressed gratitude to former U.S. President Donald Trump for highlighting the issue on the global stage.

Conversely, the Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of targeted religious persecution. Officials maintain that ongoing violence is a general security challenge affecting all citizens, regardless of faith. They argue that attacks perpetrated by bandits, insurgents, and criminal groups are indiscriminate and not specifically directed at Christian communities.

In a recent diplomatic effort, U.S. Representative Riley Moore visited Nigeria to assess the security situation firsthand. Moore met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials to discuss steps to improve national security and address concerns over religious violence. During the visit, Moore praised the Nigerian government’s rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren as a positive demonstration of commitment to citizen safety.

The discussions also explored the establishment of a joint U.S.-Nigeria task force to enhance security measures, reflecting a move toward greater cooperation between the two nations. Moore emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into action, acknowledging that while progress has been made, “much work still needs to be done.” A detailed briefing on the delegation’s findings and recommendations is expected to be presented to President Trump and the U.S. Congress in the coming days.

Through her social media statements and participation in global religious freedom events, Nicki Minaj has positioned herself as a vocal advocate for Christians in Nigeria, raising international awareness about the violence and insecurity faced by vulnerable communities. Her involvement underscores the intersection of celebrity influence and global humanitarian concerns, bringing heightened attention to a crisis that continues to affect thousands of lives.

By drawing on personal faith and a platform that reaches millions worldwide, Minaj continues to urge immediate action, calling on governments, international organizations, and the public to respond to the plight of Nigerian Christians and ensure protection, safety, and freedom for all affected communities.

This engagement highlights the ongoing tension between the urgent appeals of global advocates and the Nigerian government’s insistence that the violence is part of a broader national security challenge rather than targeted religious persecution. The coming months may see further international attention and coordinated efforts to address these concerns while seeking to provide relief and security to affected communities.