At a United Nations–hosted event in New York on Tuesday, American recording artist Onika Maraj-Petty, professionally known as Nicki Minaj, addressed reports of targeted violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. Her remarks followed a prior announcement that she would speak alongside the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz.
During her address, which was broadcast on the official YouTube channel of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Minaj characterized the reported assaults on religious communities as alarmingly pervasive. She stated that Christians in Nigeria were being allegedly targeted, displaced from their homes, and killed, while places of worship were burned and families torn apart. She emphasized that such attacks contribute to widespread fear among affected communities.
Minaj further asserted that the issue extends beyond Nigeria, requiring urgent international attention, and clarified that advocacy for the protection of Christians is not intended to take sides but to promote human unity. She highlighted the work of interfaith leaders and peace advocates present at the event and called for strengthened global cooperation to ensure the rights of all individuals to freedom of belief, worship, and personal security.
The UN discussion coincided with the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and followed statements by President Donald Trump threatening potential military intervention should attacks on Christians continue, a position rejected by the Nigerian government.#newsafro_
