The Story of Patience Bassey Robson Witch-Stigmatized and Abandoned, Yet Courageous in Seeking Safety

A 13-Year-Old Girl Stigmatized and Abandoned in the Name of Witchcraft On the evening of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at approximately 8:33 p.m., a young girl was found lingering near the gates of the CRARN Children Centre (AKA Land of Freedom) A vigilant staff member noticed her presence and approached her gently. When asked why she was there, she replied with quiet desperation: “I don’t have anywhere to sleep. My aunty chased me out of her house.” She was immediately brought into the Centre for proper care and further inquiry. Her name is Patience Bassey Robson, a 13-year-old girl whose life has been marked by profound loss and unjust stigma. Both of her parents are deceased. She and her elder sister, Hope Bassey Robson, had been living peacefully with their uncle in a village until a tragic turn of events shattered their world. One day, their uncle visited a prophet in Ukwa Isidigo, seeking spiritual guidance due to his inability to have children. The prophet declared that the source of his misfortune was the very people living under his roof. He was told that to be free, he must cast them out. Upon returning home, their uncle’s demeanor changed drastically. He accused Patience and Hope of being witches and the cause of his suffering. Without warning, he drove them out of the house. With nowhere to turn, a neighbor took Hope to Lagos, leaving Patience alone and vulnerable. Summoning courage, Patience journeyed to Ekpeneobo in Esit Eket LGA, where her aunt lived. She explained her situation, and her aunt took her in. For a brief time, Patience found shelter and a semblance of safety. But on July 29, 2025, her aunt told her she could no longer accommodate her and sent her away. Once again, Patience was stranded. She wandered the streets, asking strangers if anyone needed a house-help. One passerby, moved by her plight, directed her to the CRARN Children’s Centre in Eket. He advised her to wait by the gate in case it was locked, hoping that a staff member or security guard might notice her and offer help. That night, by a stroke of grace, minor activities were still ongoing at the Centre. A security guard spotted her and immediately took her to the Chairperson, Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson Itauma, who welcomed Patience with warmth and compassion.