A student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, who lost both hands following an electrocution incident in 2025, is appealing for urgent medical assistance after losing his left eye and experiencing worsening vision in his remaining eye.
Paul, a student in the Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, said he was in severe pain and needed urgent medical attention to protect his remaining eyesight, as well as support to obtain prosthetic hands and regain some independence.
Key Highlights
- Taraba State Polytechnic student Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul says he has lost his left eye and is experiencing worsening vision in his remaining eye.
- He lost both hands following an electrocution incident in Jalingo on May 21, 2025.
- His hands were amputated on June 19, 2025, after 28 days of intensive care.
- Paul says Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas previously supported his medical expenses.
- He is appealing for assistance with urgent eye treatment, prosthetic hands and rehabilitation.
- A physician to the governor, identified as Dr Danga, said the matter would be looked into.
Taraba Polytechnic Student Appeals for Urgent Eye Treatment
Speaking with a correspondent in Jalingo on Thursday, Paul said he had hoped to begin rebuilding his life after surviving the electrocution and undergoing the amputation of both hands.
However, he said his worsening eyesight had created another major challenge and left him worried about his future.
“After I lost my two hands, I thought that was the end of my pains, but now my eyes are failing me. I have already lost one eye and the other one is not seeing clearly. I am in serious pain and I need help,” he said.
Paul also expressed emotional distress over his condition, questioning why he had survived the initial incident only to face further health complications.
He appealed to the Taraba State Government, philanthropists, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to help him access urgent eye treatment.
How Electrocution Led to the Loss of Both Hands
Paul’s ordeal began on May 21, 2025, when he was electrocuted while hoisting a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag with an iron rod along the Roadblock–ATC Road, near the entrance to Taraba State Polytechnic in Jalingo.
According to the account provided, the iron rod came into contact with a high-tension electricity wire, leaving him with severe injuries.
He was initially taken to Gilead Hospital in Magami, Jalingo, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital.
After 28 days of intensive care, both hands were amputated on June 19, 2025, in an effort to save his life.
The incident occurred during preparations for President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Taraba State for the Taraba Investment Summit, also known as TARAVEST.
Student Acknowledges Governor Kefas’ Earlier Support
Despite his current difficulties, Paul acknowledged the assistance he received from Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas following the electrocution incident.
He said the governor sponsored his medical expenses from the time of the incident until the amputation of his hands.
According to Paul, he also received ₦500,000 about a week after being discharged from the hospital to help treat wounds that had not fully healed.
However, he said subsequent efforts to secure additional assistance, including an earlier appeal for prosthetic hands, had yet to produce the support he now needs for his eye condition and rehabilitation.
Read also:
- Sen. Bwacha Promises To Prioritize Citizens Welfare, Promote Inclusive Governance In Taraba
- Bwacha Challenges Governor Kefas Over Alleged $268m ECOWAS Bank Loan
- Taraba NCWS Raises Alarm Over Cyberbullying, Blackmail Targeting Women Leaders
Taraba Government Says Appeal Will Be Looked Into
When contacted, Dr Danga, identified as the governor’s personal physician, said government operations involved a process but assured that Paul’s situation would be looked into.
The response comes as the student seeks urgent medical intervention to address the reported loss of his left eye and worsening vision in the other eye.
No further details were provided about a proposed treatment plan, the cost of surgery or when additional assistance might be made available.
Student Seeks Prosthetic Hands and Support to Rebuild His Life
Beyond urgent eye treatment, Paul is seeking support to obtain artificial hands, commonly known as prosthetic hands, which could help him perform everyday activities and improve his independence.
He appealed to Governor Kefas, the Taraba State Government, philanthropists and other Nigerians to assist with his medical needs and rehabilitation.
For Paul, the immediate priority is receiving timely treatment for his remaining eyesight while accessing the support needed to adapt to life after the loss of both hands.
For more updates on this and other stories from across Nigeria, follow us on X.
