Nicki Minaj Speaks at UN, Condemns Rising Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, on Tuesday addressed a United Nations forum in New York, highlighting the escalating attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.

Minaj’s appearance coincided with U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, joining the event. During her speech, which was streamed on the U.S. Mission to the UN’s official YouTube page, the rapper expressed alarm over the growing violence targeting religious groups.

“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, stressing the severity of the situation.

She noted that the crisis extends beyond Nigeria, calling on global leaders to respond urgently. “Sadly, this problem is not only a growing problem in Nigeria but also in so many other countries across the world — and it demands urgent action,” Minaj added.

Addressing concerns that advocacy for Christians could be seen as divisive, the rapper clarified, “Protecting Christians in Nigeria is not about taking sides or dividing people. It is about uniting humanity. Nigeria is a beautiful nation with deep faith traditions — and lots of beautiful Barbz that I can’t wait to see.”

On the destruction of places of worship, she remarked, “When one’s church, mosque, or place of worship is destroyed, everyone’s heart should break just a little bit. And the foundation of the United Nations, with its core mandate to ensure peace and security, should shake.”

Minaj also commended religious leaders and peace advocates at the event, saying, “I am inspired by their work to build interfaith ties, to see the humanity across the lines which might divide us, and to fight for security and liberty for all those who pray. 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… Barbz.”

Her speech follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military intervention against Islamic extremists in Nigeria if attacks on Christians continue. Trump recently classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation rejected by the Nigerian government.