A young Nigerian woman, identified as Miriam, has successfully completed her university education at Akwa Ibom State University, a decade after she faced accusations of witchcraft and narrowly escaped death at the hands of villagers.
Anja Ringgren Lovén, a Danish aid worker who played a crucial role in rescuing Miriam, took to Facebook on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to celebrate the young woman's academic achievement.
Lovén recounted that she and a team member found Miriam hiding in a bush. Locals had branded her a witch and intended to harm her. At the time of her rescue, Miriam was so deeply affected by the trauma that she remained silent for an extended period.
Recalling the ordeal, Miriam herself shared that she had witnessed the brutal killings of two friends who were also accused of witchcraft.
Lovén's Facebook post detailed the harrowing rescue mission. "11 years ago Land of Hope’s Director of Child Development Nsidibe Orok and I drove out alone to a local village,” she wrote. "We received a tip that a young girl was in danger. She was accused of being a witch and some of the locals wanted to kill her!"
Upon arriving at the village, Lovén and Orok encountered hostility but managed to locate Miriam, who showed them her hiding place in the bush. The rescue, she noted, was captured for a documentary that aired on Danish national television in 2016.
"Orok and I drove Miriam to Land of Hope. While driving the locals started running after the car and screamed they would kill all of us. We did not have police protection back then," Lovén stated, adding, "We drove faster and escaped the dangerous situation."
Later that evening, Lovén and her husband, David, spoke with Miriam to understand the full extent of her experience. Miriam revealed that two of her friends had not survived similar accusations. "One was burned alive and the other had a rope tied around his neck and Miriam witnessed how he was strangulated!", Lovén shared.
The aid worker emphasized Miriam's profound trauma, noting that she was silent for a long time after her rescue. "But just look at her today !! 11 years after her rescue Miriam was celebrated this weekend at the Convocation Ceremony of Akwa Ibom State University !", Lovén expressed with pride.
Miriam has now earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and International Relations. Lovén concluded her post with heartfelt congratulations: "Congratulations to my strong and beautiful daughter! You faced so much evil but love conquers all ! #childrennotwitches."
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