Nicki Minaj Reposts Peter Obi’s Message on Niger Killings, Abductions

American rapper Nicki Minaj has drawn attention to the security situation in Nigeria after reposting a statement by presidential candidate Peter Obi concerning reported killings and abductions in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Minaj’s repost came after Obi raised fresh concerns over the reported killing of some victims abducted in the area and the continued captivity of others.

Obi, in a statement titled “Borgu: We Must Never Normalise the Killing of Nigerians,” said the situation had become increasingly difficult to comprehend, warning that Nigerians must not become accustomed to kidnapping, ransom demands and the killing of citizens. 

The former Anambra State governor recalled that he had raised concerns on August 27 following reports that about 600 people, including women, children and elderly persons, had been abducted in Borgu. He said the latest reports of killings had deepened his concern.

Obi also referred to a separate reported incident in which a bandit group allegedly killed a Nigerian and sent the victim’s severed head to a community leader over a ₦50 million levy.

According to Obi, if the killing was intended to pressure the community into paying more money for people still being held captive, it demonstrated how human lives were being used as leverage in ransom demands.

“We cannot continue to normalise the kidnapping of hundreds of citizens, the killing of innocent people, the imposition of levies on communities, the displacement of entire populations and the payment of ransom,” Obi said. 

Obi calls for stronger security response

Obi called for a stronger and more coordinated response to insecurity, including intelligence-led operations, improved community security, faster response capabilities, better coordination and equipment for security agencies, effective border protection and sustained action against criminal networks. 

He argued that the responsibility of government extends beyond responding after attacks have occurred, saying the security and welfare of citizens should remain a primary responsibility of government.

“Every Nigerian life matters. Every victim deserves justice. Every community deserves protection,” Obi said.

He also warned against allowing kidnapping, ransom payments and criminal levies to become accepted features of life in Nigeria.

What happened in Borgu?

The security situation in Borgu has attracted national attention following reports of mass abductions in the area.

When the initial reports emerged in August, the Niger State Government said it had not been able to independently confirm the number of people abducted. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Obed Nuhu, said authorities were still gathering information and had not received communication from the abductors. 

More recently, police in Niger State reported rescuing two people abducted in Wako village, New-Bussa, in Borgu, while three suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during a gun battle with a police-led rescue team. 

Nicki Minaj amplifies message

Minaj’s repost of Obi’s statement has since generated attention on social media, particularly because of her large international following.

Reports described the repost as another instance of the rapper drawing attention to issues affecting Nigerians. However, her repost does not by itself establish her position on the broader political issues surrounding Obi or Nigeria’s 2027 election.

Obi ended his statement by calling for government action and insisting that criminal groups should not be allowed to determine who lives or dies in Nigeria.

“Our prayers must be matched with action,” he said.