Tragedy Strikes as Taraba Polytechnic Student Loses Both Hands in Electrocution Accident

A 100-level student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, is facing the harshest of life’s challenges after surviving a horrific electrocution accident that resulted in the amputation of both hands. The tragedy occurred on May 21, 2025, near the gate of the institution along Roadblock to ATC Road in Jalingo, the state capital.

The incident took place during a political event where Paul, full of youthful energy and enthusiasm, was raising a flag for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Unaware of the danger overhead, the metal pole he was using accidentally made contact with a high-tension electric wire, unleashing a powerful shock that sent him crashing to the ground with severe burns.

Witnesses immediately rushed to Paul’s aid and transported him to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo for urgent medical attention. Due to the extensive damage caused by the electric shock, he was later transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital located within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, where he received specialized care.

A Painful Turning Point: Amputation to Save a Life

After 28 days of intensive care, Paul’s condition remained critical, with medical experts battling to save his life. On June 19, 2025, doctors made the heartbreaking decision to perform a double amputation, removing both hands in a bid to prevent life-threatening complications and infections.

Though the surgery saved his life, it has forever changed the course of Paul’s future.

Despite the trauma, Paul remains thankful. Speaking to Daily Post, he said, “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.”

His words, spoken with a blend of sorrow and faith, reflect a young man grappling with profound loss while clinging to hope. “Today, my classmates are writing their first-semester exams, and I’m here. That’s God,” he added.

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Government Intervention and Public Outcry

In response to the tragedy, the Taraba State Government has taken up responsibility for Paul’s medical expenses, a gesture that has brought some relief to the grieving family. However, civil society leaders and concerned citizens have stressed the need for a more comprehensive support system to ensure Paul can live a dignified and productive life.

The Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, issued a heartfelt statement calling on the government and public institutions to take further steps. “This young man’s life has changed forever. We must not only fund his treatment but also provide him with prosthetic limbs, psychosocial support, and vocational training to help him regain independence.”

There is growing consensus that Paul’s recovery cannot be defined by medical treatment alone. His future depends on sustained support that allows him to rebuild his life, pursue education, and possibly acquire new skills that are adaptive to his physical condition.

A Call for National Attention

Paul’s story has sparked emotional reactions on social media and among local communities, with many Nigerians expressing both outrage and sympathy. Some critics argue that proper safety awareness and better event planning could have prevented the tragedy, particularly in public and politically charged gatherings.

“High-tension wires should never be that close to where people are organizing events. This is more than just an accident—it’s a systemic failure,” one commenter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, Paul’s family, while grateful for the support thus far, has appealed to the Federal Government, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists to join the efforts in giving Paul a second chance at life.

“We appreciate everything the state government has done, but Paul needs more than medical care. He needs education, assistive tools, counseling, and ongoing help to adapt to a world that’s no longer the same for him,” a family member shared.

Moving Forward: Hope Amid Despair

While Paul’s future is uncertain, his resilience and faith continue to inspire those around him. His courage in the face of unimaginable adversity has made him a symbol of survival and hope in Taraba State and beyond.

With proper intervention, Paul could emerge as an advocate for electrical safety, youth empowerment, or disability inclusion, ensuring that his pain can pave the way for positive change.

For now, Paul is focused on recovery, surrounded by family, health professionals, and a community determined not to let his tragedy define the rest of his life.