Boy Once Deemed Too Malnourished too Save Graduates primary School, a Beacon of Hope Amidst Rising Faith-based Abuse Cases
LAGOS, NIGERIA – A heartbreaking image of a severely malnourished toddler, abandoned on the streets due to accusations of witchcraft, has given way to a remarkable story of survival and triumph. Hope, now 12 years old, recently graduated primary school, a milestone celebrated by his caregivers and a testament to his resilience. His story emerges as authorities in the United Kingdom express growing concern over a rise in reported cases of faith-based abuse targeting children.
When anja ringgren loven, a Danish aid worker, first encountered Hope in 2016, she believed he was beyond saving. “When we got to this little boy, he was smelling of death. I thought he would die in my arms.We don’t know how he pulled through, but he did,” she explained to The Mirror.
Hope’s abandonment stemmed from the belief, prevalent in some communities, that he was possessed or a witch - a tragically common reason for children to be ostracized and left to fend for themselves. Despite his initial condition, Hope not only survived but thrived under anja and her partner David Emmanuel Umem’s care.
Today, Hope is described as “very autonomous, strong and intelligent” and has formed a strong network of friends at his orphanage. Though deaf and communicating through writing, he harbors ambitious dreams for the future, earning him the nickname “Little Picasso” from his teachers due to his passion for the arts. “I am so proud he graduated [school] - and he was so full of pride too,” Anja added.
Hope’s success story stands in stark contrast to the fate of many other children facing similar accusations.A photograph accompanying the report shows the devastating reality for those less blessed.
The case highlights a disturbing trend of faith-based abuse, prompting calls for increased support for social services. the Local Government Association has described the rising figures of suspected abuse as “deeply worrying,” urging better funding for council social services.
“These numbers are deeply worrying, and councils are persistent to act on any signs of abuse,” a spokesperson stated. “The reality is councils receive around 1,700 referrals to children’s social care services every day, and continue to face mounting pressures providing support to children and young people.It is vital children’s services are adequately funded in the Autumn Budget so that councils have the resources to invest in early help and intervention, to prevent children reaching crisis point.”
Experts emphasize the difficulty in identifying and addressing these abuses. Professor charlotte Baker, of Lancaster University, explained that abuse linked to faith or belief “occurs across the United kingdom, frequently enough targeting children or vulnerable individuals and may result in physical, emotional, or psychological harm.” She noted that these abuses can include “spirit possession, witchcraft, ritualistic abuse, and related harmful practices.”
Leethan Bartholemow, of the International Network Against Witchcraft Accusations and Ritual Attacks, underscored the scale of the problem, stating, “It is indeed much more of a problem then we recognize that it is. There is much more work that needs to be done.”
Hope’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability of children facing these harmful beliefs, and the critical need for increased awareness, protection, and support.
