- Twelve years ago, Samuel, a little Nigerian boy, was accused of being a witch and almost died. He was later rescued by Danish rescuer Anya Lindgren Loving and successfully entered university. Lowen, who rescued Samuel in Akwa Ibom, expressed great pride, noting that his academic achievements fulfilled her original wish for him to survive and receive an education.
Samuel, a young Nigerian boy who nearly died after being accused of being a witch 12 years ago and then rescued, has reached a major milestone by gaining admission to university.
The news was announced by Anja Ringgren Loven, a Danish aid worker who rescued Samuel in Akwa Ibom State. Lowen, founder of the charity organization Hope Place, shared the update in a Facebook post on Friday, November 28, 2025.
Loewen recalled the first moments after the rescue, detailing the humiliation Samuel faced:
“I saved Samuel 12 years ago. He was accused of being a witch and almost killed.”
She highlighted the symbolic actions she made to dispel the harmful beliefs surrounding him:
“After he was rescued, I sat down with him to eat food. Children accused of being witches were thought to be possessed by evil spirits, so no one wanted to share food with them. Sharing food with Samuel was my way of letting him know that I didn’t believe he was a witch.”
Loving celebrated Samuel’s success, emphasizing that his achievements fulfilled her long-held wish for him to survive and receive an education:
“Now, after 12 years in my care, I am so proud to see Samuel celebrating his matriculation today! He did it! Congratulations Samuel! We had a meal together 12 years ago and my only wish at the time was for you to survive and get an education.”
