Jihadists are killing Christian families in Nigeria, burning churches because of their faith: Nicki Minaj
Popular American rapper Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty on Tuesday affirmed that Christians are being targeted and killed en masse in Nigeria, while calling for urgent action to combat extremism and defend churchgoers in the West African country.
“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,” the ‘Pink Friday’ rapper said during a speech at the United Nations on Tuesday.
Nicki Minaj’s speech followed an official invitation from the White House to address a UN conference and experts on the alleged ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria after she came out in support of the decision by President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
During her remarks, the 42-year-old thanked Mr Trump for the steps he has taken so far to put a global spotlight on the situation of Nigerian Christians, noting that freedom of religion and belief should be natural rights.
“I would like to thank President Trump for prioritising this issue and his leadership on the global stage in calling for urgent action to defend Christians in Nigeria and to combat extremism and to bring a stop to violence against those who simply want to express their natural right to freedom of religion or belief,” Nicki Minaj said.
She added, “Music has taken me around the globe. I have seen how people, no matter their language, culture or religion, come alive when they hear a song that touches their soul. Religious freedom means we all can sing our faith regardless of who we are, where we live, and what we believe. But today, faith is under attack in way too many places.”
Speaking further, Nicki Minaj stressed that her decision to champion the situation in Nigeria was not to divide or take sides after receiving criticism over her position, noting that “It is about what I have always stood for my entire career, and I will continue to stand for that for the rest of my life”.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Ebonyi government enforces strict regulations on mining
Mr Nkah warned the operators in the state that the government would no longer tolerate environmental degradation.
States
FRSC commences special operation to check road crashes in Ebonyi
Mr Asanya said that the operation would last from July 21 to July 23, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anti-Corruption
U.S. indicts Okeoghene Udugba for money laundering, defrauding FWS
The U.S.-based Nigerian, Okeoghene Patrick Udugba, 45, of Frisco, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury.
States
Kwara lawyers issue seven-day strike notice over unmet demands
According to the lawyers, a three-day warning strike was embarked upon between October 27 and October 28, 2025.
Port Harcourt
Police condemn gruesome killing of four in Rivers community
The command’s spokesperson described the incident as unfortunate and disturbing.
States
Gov Sule sacks six commissioners in cabinet reshuffle
Mr Magaji added that the former commissioners would continue to be part of the government.
