American hip-hop star Nicki Minaj has offered further explanation on her recent comments concerning the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying her remarks were driven by personal connections to the country and concern over reports of attacks on worshippers.

The rapper spoke at the AmericaFest event in the United States on Sunday, where she addressed a question on why she chose to speak publicly about Nigeria during a session with Erika Kirk, widow of conservative commentator, Charlie Kirk.

According to Minaj, her interest in Nigeria is longstanding, noting that her pastor is Nigerian and that she has a large number of Nigerian followers across her platforms.

She said reports of kidnappings and killings linked to religious gatherings informed her decision to lend her voice to the issue.

“Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs..

“So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion—that should spark outrage,” Minaj stated.

The artiste emphasised that her comments were not intended to target any government but to draw attention to the broader issue of religious freedom, which she said is often taken for granted in many parts of the world.

Minaj noted that there are people who are forced to worship in fear or secrecy, stressing the need for global solidarity and prayers for those affected.

“We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.”

“We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please.

“Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them,” she said.

Her remarks follow an earlier social media post in which she reacted to a statement by former United States President, Donald Trump, who claimed that Christianity was under threat in Nigeria. Minaj had said the post made her reflect on the freedom to practise religion without fear.

She has also previously expressed similar concerns during a public engagement involving United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria has consistently rejected claims that Christians are being targeted in a coordinated manner, describing such allegations as misleading.

Authorities have maintained that the country’s security challenges are complex and affect citizens across religious and ethnic lines, adding that there is no state-sponsored persecution of any faith group. (TRIBUNE)