Nigerian Boy Rescued After Witchcraft Accusation Graduates Primary School with Top Grades
A young Nigerian boy named Hope, who captured global attention in 2016 after being abandoned and branded a witch by his family, has achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from primary school with outstanding grades. The inspiring story, shared by Danish aid worker Anja Ringgren Lovén on Facebook and amplified across X with hashtags like #Hope and #BBNaijaS10, highlights the resilience of children rescued from harmful traditional practices and the transformative power of humanitarian intervention.
Hope’s journey began in January 2016 when Lovén, co-founder of Land of Hope, a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria, found the then two-year-old emaciated and abandoned on the streets of Akwa Ibom State. A viral photograph of Lovén giving water to the malnourished boy drew international outrage and support, spotlighting the plight of children stigmatized by witchcraft accusations. Taken in by Land of Hope, Hope received education, healthcare, and shelter, defying the odds to thrive both academically and personally.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on August 25, 2025, Lovén celebrated Hope’s primary school graduation, noting, “Hope survived. He graduated this year and starts secondary school next month. His story is world famous, and every day I look at him and feel so grateful for his incredible development.” Despite being deaf, Hope communicates effectively through sign language and graduated with one of the highest grades in his class. Lovén praised his multifaceted talents, stating, “Not only is he very intelligent, he is a talented artist, an excellent dancer, he is very warm and caring, and on top of that, he has a great sense of humor.”
Hope’s achievement has resonated widely, with X users like @NigeriaStories posting, “Akwa Ibom boy who was branded a witch, stigmatized and left to d!e graduates from primary school. Thank you Anja Ringgren Lovén 🙏❤️,” and @legitngnews sharing, “A boy rescued after being abandoned and accused of being a witch graduates from primary school.” The posts reflect a wave of admiration for Hope’s resilience and gratitude for Lovén’s work through Land of Hope, co-founded with her husband, Nigerian lawyer David Emmanuel Umem.
While celebrating Hope’s success, Lovén also highlighted the ongoing crisis, noting, “Some days it makes me think about the thousands of ‘Hope’s’ out there who we will never get to know. Never get to know because their lives are short. Once a child is accused of being a witch, it’s the end. But we will never give up.” Her words underscore the persistent challenge of witchcraft accusations in Nigeria, where children face abuse, neglect, and death due to harmful traditional beliefs.
Hope’s graduation, as he prepares to start secondary school in September, serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. His story, covered by outlets like Punch Nigeria and Vanguard News, has reignited discussions about protecting vulnerable children and challenging stigma. @DuruchibuzorE tweeted, “Y’all remember the Akwa-Ibom Boy Accused of witchcraft, Abandoned and Rescued by Danish Humanitarian Anja in 2016, He Just Graduated from Primary School with Flying Colours,” encapsulating the public’s awe and inspiration.
As Hope embarks on his next educational chapter, his journey stands as a testament to the impact of compassion and resilience.