Taraba Poly student loses both hands to electric shock while hoisting PDP flag in Jalingo.
Paul survives after 28 days in hospital, seeks support for artificial limbs and future recovery.
A first-year student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, is currently dealing with a devastating situation after surviving a serious electric shock that led to the loss of both his hands.
The unfortunate event took place on May 21, 2025, in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State. It happened near the entrance of the polytechnic, along the Roadblock to ATC Road. Paul was said to have been hoisting a flag for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) when the incident occurred.
According to eyewitnesses, the metal rod attached to the flagpole Paul was holding accidentally touched a live high-tension cable. The strong electric current that followed left him severely injured. Bystanders quickly rushed him to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo for emergency medical help. From there, due to the seriousness of his condition, he was transferred to the National Orthopedic Hospital located within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
Despite the doctors’ efforts to save his limbs, Paul remained in critical condition for nearly a month. On June 19, 2025, after 28 days of treatment, doctors were forced to carry out a double amputation to save his life.
In response to the tragic incident, the Taraba State Government stepped in to cover his medical bills. However, various individuals and advocacy groups are now calling for continued support for Paul, especially as he begins a new journey of recovery and adaptation.
One of the people advocating for more support is Iliya Kefas, the Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean. Kefas said he is hopeful that Paul will heal and urged the state government to provide artificial limbs and skill-based training to help him become self-reliant.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Paul showed both gratitude and sadness. He thanked everyone who had supported him so far but also asked for further help to adjust to life without his hands. “I thank God I am alive,” he said. “Even though I could not achieve my dreams the way I planned, life is still a gift. When I woke up in the hospital, I asked myself, ‘Why am I alive?’ But then I remembered that life is priceless.”
Paul also shared how it felt watching his classmates take exams while he remained in the hospital. “Today, they’re writing their first-semester exams. I’m here instead. But that’s God’s will,” he added.
His family has echoed calls for continued support, saying that beyond hospital care, Paul will need long-term assistance to live a meaningful and independent life.
