Nicki Minaj Prays for Kidnapped Christians in Nigeria

Pop star Nicki Minaj has made a public appeal for the safe release of Christian hostages who were kidnapped in Nigeria. In a recent post on X, she shared a video clip addressing the situation.

Minaj referenced a message from Pope Leo XIV, who urged the kidnappers of priests, teachers, and students to free their captives. She added her own heartfelt prayer: “Dear God, please release your immediate intervention in this matter. Rescue the hostages and bring inhuman peace to their families now.”

She continued, expressing hope and faith: “Lord, we know your power. With faith and thanksgiving in advance, we claim victory. In the mighty name of Jesus.”

The Associated Press reported that last week, armed men abducted a staggering 303 children and 12 teachers from Saint Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Nigeria. Initially, estimates suggested 52 abducted, with numbers rapidly escalating to over 300.

No group has taken responsibility for the incident. This kidnapping is the latest in a troubling pattern of violence against Christians in Africa that has captured international attention.

Pope Leo mentioned the kidnappings during his Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. “I am deeply saddened to learn of the abductions of clergy, believers and students in Nigeria and Cameroon,” he said, adding an urgent appeal for their release.

Former President Donald Trump previously labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” due to ongoing persecution of Christians, a designation that the Nigerian government disputes.

In a post on Truth Social last month, Trump said, “Christianity faces an existential crisis in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being murdered. Radical Islam is responsible for this genocide. The United States cannot stand by and watch these atrocities occur…”

Minaj commended Trump’s efforts to highlight the issue in her X post, noting, “Many countries around the world are affected by this fear… It’s dangerous to pretend you don’t notice.” She included a call to prayer for all persecuted Christians.

After her statement, Minaj was invited to speak at a United Nations conference on the violence faced by Christians in Nigeria. During her address, she described the dire conditions: “Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, forced from their homes, and murdered. Churches are being burned down…” She emphasized that the fight for safety is about uniting humanity, not dividing it.