A 100-level student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, is fighting to rebuild his life after surviving an electrocution that led to the amputation of both hands.
The tragic incident happened on May 21, 2025, while Paul was hoisting a flag for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) near the polytechnic gate along Roadblock to ATC Road in Jalingo. Eyewitnesses said the flagpole, made of iron, accidentally touched a high-tension power line, shocking him severely.
He was quickly rushed to Gilead Hospital before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Unit at the Taraba State Specialist Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries. After 28 days of treatment, doctors amputated both his hands on June 19 to save his life.
Although the Taraba State Government has paid for his medical care, many residents and advocacy groups are now calling for continued support to help him recover and adjust to his new reality.
The coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, called for rehabilitation and vocational training for Paul. “He needs more than treatment. He needs a future,” he said.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Paul expressed both sorrow and gratitude. “My joy today is that I am alive, but I couldn’t fulfil my plans in life,” he said. “I asked myself, ‘Why am I alive?’ But the Scripture says life is priceless. So I thank God.”
He added, “Today, my mates are writing exams, but I’m here. That’s God.”
Paul has appealed to the government and well-meaning Nigerians for artificial limbs and a sustainable source of income to help him live independently.
His family also thanked the state government but stressed the importance of ongoing support, saying Paul still has a long way to go in healing and rebuilding his life.
