Anna Ringgren Lovin, a Danish woman born in Sweden, was shocked after watching a documentary titled "The Witch Children of Africa," where she discovered that innocent children in Nigeria were tortured and killed simply for being accused of witchcraft. These children, unable to understand why they were treated this way, had to live in fear, ostracized by their families and communities. For Anna, this was a huge shock, as she grew up in a safe and civilized country like Denmark, where there was no such thing as children being mistreated over baseless accusations. With a compassionate heart and a desire to help others, Anna decided not to just feel shocked but to take action. She wanted to learn more and rescue these children from the cycle of superstition and abuse.
In 2012, Anna founded a non-governmental organization with the mission to raise awareness about superstition in Africa, especially in Nigeria. The following year, she traveled to Nigeria for the first time to begin the process of educating people about these superstitions. With the support of her husband, David Umem, Anna's efforts have led to the rescue of over a hundred children labeled as witches. In addition to saving children, Anna and her husband built "Land of Hope," described as the largest children’s center in West Africa. Their center provides shelter, care, and education to children who have been abandoned and ostracized. Anna, who has lived in Nigeria for several years, says that although it has been challenging, especially due to the country's issues with corruption and human rights concerns, she feels a strong sense of belonging in Nigeria. Her marriage to David and the birth of their son cemented her identity as a Nigerian mother, even though she was born and raised in Denmark. Anna believes that the key to progress in Nigeria is education, and through their efforts at Land of Hope, they aim to provide these children with an education that can free them from the ignorance that fuels superstition.
Superstition and witchcraft accusations against children have become increasingly prevalent in certain Nigerian states, particularly in Akwa Ibom and Cross River. This rise is largely influenced by the fusion of Pentecostal Christianity and indigenous tribal beliefs, creating a toxic mix that leads to the wrongful labeling of children as witches. This phenomenon began in the 1990s in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, a time when, before this period, elderly women were the most frequently accused of witchcraft. According to Anna, children, often those with physical disabilities or illnesses, are now the primary victims of these accusations. These children are subjected to horrific abuse, such as being beaten, burned alive, poisoned, or even buried alive. The beliefs are so deeply ingrained that entire communities believe children can be the cause of family misfortunes like deaths, crop failures, or infertility. In these cases, children are often used as scapegoats. The combination of extreme poverty and ignorance plays a crucial role in perpetuating these superstitions, making it even harder for the victims to escape.
While Nigeria has laws in place to protect children's rights, such as the Child Rights Act of 2003, the implementation of these laws has been inconsistent. Anna points out that although the country's criminal code prohibits accusing someone of witchcraft, and the Child Rights Act forbids any physical or emotional torture of children, only about three-quarters of the states in Nigeria have adopted these laws. Furthermore, in Akwa Ibom, where the law specifically criminalizes the mistreatment of children accused of witchcraft, other states like Cross River have yet to pass similar legislation. This gap in legal enforcement leaves many children vulnerable to abuse. Anna emphasizes that the most powerful weapon against superstition is education. Through her efforts at Land of Hope, she ensures that children not only receive care but also a quality education that can open their minds and free them from the chains of ignorance. She believes that spreading knowledge and fostering communication are essential to combating superstition and improving the lives of children in Nigeria. Through their advocacy and educational initiatives, Anna and her husband continue to work toward a future where these children can grow up in safety and dignity.
