Fanen Terhemen is now 10, after surviving ten surgeries, he is rewriting a destiny that once seemed written in ashes.
When three-year-old Fanen Terhemen tripped into an open fire in his village in Ushongo, Benue State, his screams pierced the silence, but no one came for over 30 minutes. By the time they did, the flames had already claimed his childhood. His skin melted, his face unrecognisable, his tiny hands curled in agony. Then came the silence. Not just from Fanen, but from a world that looked away, unsure of what to do with a boy so badly broken.
The tragedy struck in September 2017. The then three-year-old Fanen Terhemen suffered third-degree burns leaving him with severe injuries. His right hand was completely destroyed, and his face was disfigured, leading to the loss of his sight
But against every odd, Fanen chose not just to live but to fight.Today, at just 10 years old, Fanen has undergone ten complex surgeries. He walks with scars, yes, but also with the rare courage of someone who has faced death, pain, abandonment, and still dares to dream.
In a country where children like him are often forgotten, hidden, or pitied, Fanen is rewriting his story, not as a victim, but as a survivor. A warrior and a light.
LEADERSHIP Weekend writes that , his tale is not a story of tragedy.
This is a story of a boy who was burned, left behind, and still rose with grace, with grit, and with the quiet kind of bravery that makes the rest of us stop and look again
Shadrach Fanen Terhemen’sn story has always been shared through his guardian Ukan Kurugh and religious or community platforms, but it doesn’t appear that Fanen himself has ever answered questions from newsmen.
Unable to afford the mounting medical bills, Fanen’s father prepared to return to their village and resign to their fate. However, their story caught the attention of a concerned citizen who spotted Fanen at the motor park and alerted Nigerian humanitarian , Ukan Kurugh, who shared their plight with the world.
Human rights activist Ukan Kurugh, who confirmed that he was deeply moved, shared his thoughts in a series of messages sent to LEADERSHIP Weekend in response to questions posed to him. He had this to say: When I received word that the boy was being taken back to the village so the elders could “discuss” his fate, I acted immediately, rushing to intervene.
The scene that greeted him was devastating. Fanen’s skin was badly burned, his eyes filled with exhaustion and pain, and his father stood by, completely out of options. That November day in 2017 would later become, in Ukan’s words, “One of the greatest humanitarian struggles I have ever endured.”
This led to an outpouring of support from kind-hearted Nigerians, enabling Fanen to undergo multiple surgeries.
With the help of generous donations totaling over N2million , Fanen underwent six surgeries to repair the damage to his hand and face. These procedures were crucial in restoring his health and improving his quality of life. Despite the challenges, Fanen’s resilience shone through. He continued to receive medical care, including a planned surgery for the reconstruction of his nose.
Kurugh, who later adopted Fanen, called his story “One of the most compelling human struggles in recent memory and it all began with fire.”
Determined to help, he took Fanen in and started raising funds for his medical treatment. What followed was a long and difficult journey. From Makurdi to hospitals in Abuja and back again, from minor operations to complex surgeries, every step was marked by pain, relentless effort, and unwavering faith. Through it all, Fanen never gave up.
Between the ages of 3 and 8, Fanen underwent no fewer than 10 surgeries to rebuild parts of his body, with a focus on his face and eyes.
The most recent procedure, done in 2022, targeted his lower eyelid and cost N270,000. Earlier that same year, surgeons had operated on his upper eyelid for N450,000. Each operation marked a step forward in his healing journey, made possible by the generosity of those moved by his strength and resilience.
But it wasn’t just about the money. What truly mattered was the shared belief that this child, burned, scarred, and nearly forgotten,bdeserved a second chance at life.
In 2022, a moment of grace arrived. Fanen was baptised into the Catholic Church at St. Augustine’s Parish in Demekpe, Makurdi. He chose the name Shadrach, a powerful nod to the biblical figure who, along with Meshach and Abednego, walked through fire and emerged unscathed.
Though Fanen still carries the scars, the symbolism of his journey remains powerful, he was engulfed by fire but sustained by faith.
His baptism marked a turning point , a spiritual rebirth for a boy who had already walked through unimaginable pain yet refused to give up. The name Shadrach Fanen Terhemen reflects not just a new beginning, but a deeper truth: he is defined not by what he endured, but by the strength and hope he chose to embrace.
Support for Fanen has often come in the most unexpected ways. There were times when funds ran low, the road ahead seemed uncertain, and options were scarce. Yet time and again, people stepped in some giving as little as N500, others much more. Each act of kindness, no matter the size, became part of the miracle that saved a life, says his guardian, Ukan Kurugh.
Kurugh once reflected, “This has left me with the craziest admixture of feelings, sadness and happiness, peace and confusion, tears and joy. But in all, we thank God that Fanen walked through hell and stayed alive.”
While the journey has taken a heavy toll emotionally, physically, and financially, it has also brought moments of profound joy. Simple moments, like his birthdays, often celebrated with a small cake and a quiet prayer, or the light in his eyes when he plays or reads, have become priceless milestones.
As Ukan said on one of those birthdays: “Today marks his 6th birthday, but it also marks six years of miracles, tears, and grace. We will keep walking this path until he is whole.”
Now 10 years old, Fanen still bears his scars, but they no longer define him. He insists on doing things himself, bathing, washing his clothes, applying lotion with quiet determination.
“Uncle, I can do it myself,” he often tells Ukan, his guardian and advocate. In a world where many children are raised with comfort and dependency, Fanen stands apart—radiating independence, forged through pain and nurtured by love and discipline.
Confirming the development to LEADERSHIP Weekend, Kurugh said, “While many of us spend our days complaining about minor inconveniences, here is a boy who has known real pain, been abandoned, and yet chooses, every single day, to rise, to push forward, and to take responsibility for his life.”
“This week, let Fanen be your reason to stop whining and start grinding. You are strong, capable, and far more blessed than you realize. Laziness is not your portion. If a 10-year-old burn survivor can choose self discipline and determination, then you can too.
“To everyone who has walked with us on this journey from day one till now, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. May your kindness return to you in a hundredfold. May your homes be filled with joy and divine favor.”
In a society where many children are forgotten due to poverty, disability, or abandonment, his story reminds us of what is possible when someone decides to care. He teaches us that even in our darkest hours, light can find its way through.
If a 10-year-old burn survivor can rise above his pain and live with courage, then so can you. You are stronger than your struggles, you are more capable than your fears. Don’t give up, don’t fold, keep your head up and your hands busy, Kurugh said.
“To everyone who has been part of this journey donors, prayer warriors, volunteers, caregivers thank you. May your love return to you in a hundredfold. May your homes be filled with joy and divine favor.
“The journey is not over. Fanen still needs care, more surgeries, and long-term emotional support. But he is not walking alone. He walks with us with you, with me, with every Nigerian who believes that one life is worth saving.” His guardian stated.
Today, Fanen’s journey is a testament to the power of community and compassion. His survival and ongoing recovery highlight the importance of support systems in the healing process. While his physical scars remain, they serve as symbols of his strength and determination. Fanen’s story continues to inspire many, proving that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, hope and resilience can lead to remarkable recovery.
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