In an emotional and long-awaited reunion, Saviour, a young boy rescued from unimaginable suffering five years ago, has finally been reunited with his grandmother. The touching moment was made possible by the relentless efforts of Danish humanitarian Anja Ringgren Lovén, who has been caring for Saviour since his rescue in 2019.
Saviour’s story is one of pain, resilience, and hope. Found at just six years old, he was lying among iron pipes by the roadside, barely clothed and unable to walk due to severe abuse. Anja, co-founder of the children’s rights organization ACAEDF (African Children’s Aid Education and Development Foundation), rescued him and provided medical care, love, and safety.
Investigations revealed that Saviour’s childhood was marked by tragedy. After his father abandoned the family, his mother sought refuge with her own mother. But when Saviour’s mother fell seriously ill and was taken to a local healing home, superstitions led to accusations that Saviour was a “witch”—a cruel and common belief in some regions that blames children for family misfortunes. His mother later fled the healing home and died on the streets, leaving Saviour alone and vulnerable before his rescue.
For years, Anja and her team searched for Saviour’s relatives. “Where we found him was not his hometown,” Anja explained. “But every child deserves to know their roots.”
After painstaking efforts, they located Saviour’s grandmother—his last known living relative. Though their bond was weakened by years of separation, Anja emphasized the importance of reconnecting. “Every child has the right to know their identity,” she said.
When Saviour was told his grandmother had been found, he was overjoyed. The reunion, though emotional, marks the beginning of a healing journey. “The connection is still fragile, but with time, patience, and love, we believe their relationship will grow,” Anja shared.
Saviour, now 11, has flourished under Anja’s care—attending school, making friends, and dreaming of a bright future. While he continues to live with ACAEDF for now, this reunion opens the door to rebuilding family ties.
Anja’s work has saved hundreds of children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria. Saviour’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance. As she often says: “No child should suffer because of ignorance. Love can heal even the deepest wounds.”
