Nigeria, Dec. 22 -- American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she has repeatedly spoken publicly about the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing her personal ties to the country and concerns raised by reports of attacks on worshippers.

Ms Minaj, 42, made the remarks during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona, while responding to a question from Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Mr Kirk was assassinated on 10 September while on stage at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah for an event of a conservative youth organisation , Turning Point USA (TPUSA), which he co-founded.

AmericaFest is an annual gathering organised by TPUSA.

This is not the first time the Gramm...