Tragedy struck in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, on May 21, 2025, when a 100-level student of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, suffered a life-altering accident that led to the amputation of both his hands.
The incident occurred near the institution’s gate, along the Roadblock to ATC Road, while Paul was attempting to hoist a flag bearing the insignia of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Unfortunately, the metal handle of the flagpole accidentally made contact with a high-tension electric cable overhead, resulting in a severe electric shock that left him critically injured.
Following the electrocution, Paul was immediately rushed to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo for emergency medical attention. However, due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to the National Orthopedic Hospital located within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital for more advanced care.
After 28 days of intensive medical treatment, doctors were left with no choice but to perform a double amputation on June 19, 2025, to save his life. Despite the traumatic experience, Paul has remained resilient and hopeful for the future.
In a deeply emotional statement from his hospital bed, Paul expressed his gratitude to God and the people who have supported him so far. “My joy today is that I am alive, but I couldn’t fulfill my plans in life. When I woke up in the hospital, I asked myself, ‘Why am I alive?’ But the scripture says there is nothing you can give in exchange for your life. So I must thank God,” he said. He also added, “Today, my classmates are writing their first-semester exams, and I’m here. That’s God.”
Acknowledging the support he has received so far, Paul thanked the Taraba State Government, which has taken full responsibility for his medical expenses. However, he appealed for further assistance, particularly in acquiring prosthetic limbs and undergoing vocational rehabilitation to help him live a productive life despite his condition.
Speaking on the matter, the Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, commended the state government for its prompt intervention. He urged the authorities to go further by providing prosthetic arms for Paul and enrolling him in skill acquisition programs to help him regain his independence.
Paul remains under close medical supervision as he continues his long road to recovery, surrounded by the hope that his story will inspire compassion and prompt more support from the public and government institutions.
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