Boy rescued in Akwa-Ibom reunites with mother 7 years after he was branded a wizard, left to starve

The young boy who was rescued in Akwa Ibom 7 years ago after being left to starve to death and branded a wizard finally reunites with his mother.

Anja Ringgren Lovén, a Danish relief worker, became well-known online after being pictured giving water to a severely malnourished 2-year-old kid on January 30, 2016.

She had saved the young boy from starvation in Akwa Ibom after his family had branded him a wizard and abandoned him there.

Anja led a rescue squad, which included her husband David Emmanuel Umem, to bring the small boy to the Children’s Education and Development Foundation (ACAEDF), popularly known as also known as the “Land of Hope” after receiving a troubling phone call.

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, Lovén revealed on her Facebook page that Hope had at last reconnected with his mother.

The assistance worker claimed that Hope’s mother, who was underage at the time, became pregnant as a result of his father, a Village Chief who was close to 50 years old, choosing her as his “wife.” Hope was born when she was only 15 years old.

Lovén chose not to provide all the specifics, noting that the entire tale involved rape, child labor, and abuse.