American rapper Nicki Minaj, born Onika Maraj-Petty, addressed a United Nations event in New York on Tuesday, highlighting alleged attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.
Speaking alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN Michael Waltz, Minaj condemned the escalating violence, describing it as “alarming” and calling for urgent international attention.
“Back 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 constantly simply because of how they pray,” she said, according to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations’ official YouTube channel.
Minaj emphasised that advocating for the protection of Christians is not about taking sides, but about uniting humanity. “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity,” she said, noting the broader implications for global religious freedom.
She also highlighted the importance of solidarity, urging action whenever places of worship are attacked: “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. The foundation of the United Nations, with its core mandate to ensure peace and security, should shake.”
Praising interfaith leaders and peace advocates, Minaj said she was inspired by their efforts to foster understanding and security for all religious communities. “I hope it will encourage deepened solidarity for us to urgently work together to ensure every person can enjoy the right to believe, to worship, and to live in peace,” she added.
Her UN appearance follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of potential military intervention against Islamic terrorists in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue, after designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” a claim the Nigerian government has rejected.
Minaj concluded her speech by celebrating Nigeria’s rich faith traditions and the resilience of its communities, encouraging continued global advocacy and unity.
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