Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, a 100-level student at Taraba State Polytechnic, has undergone double amputation after suffering a severe electric shock while attempting to hoist a flag for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The tragic incident occurred on May 21, 2025, near the polytechnic’s gate in Jalingo, Taraba State.
Paul was reportedly hoisting the party’s flag when the metal pole accidentally touched a high-tension power line, resulting in a massive electric shock.
He was initially rushed to Gilead Hospital for emergency care and later transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital within Taraba State Specialist Hospital due to the critical nature of his injuries.
After 28 days of treatment, doctors amputated both of his hands on June 19 to save his life.
The state government has since taken responsibility for his medical bills.
However, the Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, called for more support, urging the government to provide Paul with prosthetic limbs and vocational rehabilitation to help him rebuild his life.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Paul expressed gratitude for being alive despite the life-changing experience.
“My joy today is that I’m still alive,” he said. “When I woke up in the hospital, I asked, ‘Why am I alive?’ But the Bible says there’s nothing you can give in exchange for your life. So I thank God.”
He also expressed emotional pain at missing out on his academic progress.
“Today, my classmates are writing their first-semester exams, and I’m here. That’s God,” he added.
