Award-winning rapper Nicki Minaj has publicly supported former US President Donald Trump’s statement that Christians are facing persecution in Nigeria. Speaking at a US embassy event at the United Nations in New York, Minaj said, “In Nigeria, Christians are being targeted. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart… simply because of how they pray.”
Minaj, known for her outspoken personality and previous public statements about her Christian faith, described the call to protect Nigerian Christians as “not about taking sides or dividing people… but about uniting humanity.” She thanked Trump for highlighting the issue and praised his leadership on the matter.
The claims have sparked debate, as analysts point out that armed groups in Nigeria, including jihadists, have attacked communities across the country, affecting Muslims, Christians, and those of no faith alike. Recent incidents include a church attack that killed two worshippers in Kwara state, and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls—mostly Muslim—from a school in Kebbi state, two of whom escaped. Violence also claimed the life of a senior army officer in Borno state.
The Nigerian government has rejected Trump’s assertion, calling it “a gross misrepresentation of reality,” emphasizing that terrorists target anyone opposing their ideology. Still, the ongoing attacks have fueled frustration across Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu describing the rise in violent extremism as “depressing” and directing security agencies to respond swiftly.
Minaj highlighted Nigeria’s “beautiful faith traditions” and acknowledged her fans in the country, known as the “Barbz.” The US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, thanked her for using her platform to draw attention to the situation.
This marks one of Minaj’s highest-profile political interventions, following past controversial moments, including her sharing of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and a public feud with fellow rapper Cardi B.
