Photos: Amazing transformation of three children tortured and abused in Akwa Ibom after being branded witches

Danish aid worker, Anja Ringgren Loven on Friday recalled how she and her team rescued three children four years ago.

The kids, Grace, Victoria and William, all siblings, were accused of witchcraft by their family;  tortured and abused. Read her post: 

"4 years ago today I was 7 months pregnant and on a rescue mission with David Emmanuel Umem  ( picture nr. 3 )

David and I were told that 3 children had been tortured and abused and David was so determined to find the children and bring them to safety. The children were siblings, two girls and their younger brother.

I never forget that day. It was so hot and I was so heavy, but being pregnant was not an issue. I knew that David would protect me and our main focus was to save the lives of those children before it was to late.

Luckily it was never to late. 4 years ago today David saved the lives of Grace, Victoria and William.

It’s been an amazing journey to witness the incredible transformation of all three of them. I remember how scared William and Victoria were when we found them. Grace, their senior sister was more calm. I think she already knew at that time they were safe, free from torture and abuse.

Today Victoria is the strongest little girl you will ever meet. She loves to hang around the boys and she loves to jump into any fight with the boys. At one time she had managed to create her own little group of boys where she was the leader . I’m telling you, she is so intelligent and not afraid of anything. Always top of her class 

Grace has stayed calm and always being so peaceful. She is very protective of Victoria and William. She is always very happy and smiling. But never be fooled of her being so calm. She is a very strong girl with a strong will and also top of her class 

William was very hard to control when he was rescued. He had suffered a lot. But with our love, care and guidance he quickly became calm. Today he is the most calm of all our children. You will never find him in trouble. Always so kind and sweet. William has also been very sick due to his past and the suffering he passed through. It’s taken us many years to find out what caused his sickness. But we now know his diagnose and day by day he is getting stronger 

This is what makes our work so beautiful. We save lives 

Thank you David for giving me the opportunity to come a long on this meaningful journey .