By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
A 100-level student of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, has survived a harrowing incident of electrocution that resulted in the amputation of both his hands.
The incident occurred on May 21, 2025, while Paul was hoisting a flag for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jalingo, the state capital.
According to eyewitness, Mr. Peter Jeyol, Paul’s flag, which had an iron handle, came into contact with an electrical wire, resulting in the electrocution.
The incident happened near the polytechnic gate along Roadblock to ATC Road in Jalingo. Paul was rushed to Gilead Hospital, where he received initial treatment.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Paul was later referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital located in the Taraba State Specialist Hospital in Jalingo for further treatment.
It was at this facility that the difficult decision was made to amputate both of his hands in a bid to save his life. The amputation was performed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, 28 days after the incident, and Paul is currently receiving ongoing medical care at the facility.
The Taraba State government has been covering Paul’s medical expenses, and the government has been urged to ensure he receives the best possible care.
Hon. Iliya Kefas, State Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean has expressed hope for Paul’s full recovery and appealed to the government to provide additional support to aid his rehabilitation.
When contacted, the family is grateful for the government’s support so far but believes that more needs to be done to ensure Paul’s well-being.
Paul, while thanking the state government for shouldering his medical bills, pleaded for artificial hands and any skillful work that can earn him money every month after treatment
“My joy today is because I am alive, but one thing I didn’t fulfill my plan in life. When I found myself in the hospital after I recovered from the trauma, I actually felt like, ‘Why am I alive?’ But the scripture says there is nothing you can give in exchange for your life, so I must thank God for His good work.
Today, my mates are taking first-semester exams, but here I am. That’s God,” he said.
