Taraba student who lost both hands to electrocution loses one eye, seeks help

A student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, who lost both hands following an electrocution incident in 2025, is facing another health challenge after losing his left eye and developing complications in his remaining eye.

Paul, a student of the Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, was electrocuted on May 21, 2025, while hoisting a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag with an iron rod that came into contact with a high-tension electricity wire along the Roadblock–ATC Road, near the entrance of the polytechnic in Jalingo.

Following the incident, he was rushed to Girad Hospital, Magami, Jalingo, before being transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital.

After 28 days of intensive medical care, both hands were amputated on June 19, 2025, in a bid to save his life.

However, speaking with our reporter in Jalingo on Thursday, Paul said his ordeal had worsened following the development of severe eye complications, which have resulted in the loss of his left eye.

He said his remaining eye was also deteriorating, leaving him in pain and in urgent need of medical assistance.

“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.

Expressing frustration over his condition, Paul lamented that his continued suffering had left him emotionally distressed, questioning why he survived the electrocution only to face further health complications.

He also appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas, the Taraba State government, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to assist him in accessing urgent eye surgery and obtaining artificial hands to enable him to regain some independence.

Paul, however, expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for supporting his medical treatment following the incident.

According to him, the governor provided financial assistance of N500,000 about a week after he was discharged from the hospital, which helped him treat some of the wounds he sustained.

He said that although he remained grateful for the assistance, his current medical challenges required further intervention.

Paul alleged that repeated attempts to reach the person responsible for following up on his case had yielded no positive results, despite assurances that assistance would be provided.

He had earlier acknowledged the governor’s support in covering his medical bills from the day of the incident until the amputation of both hands but lamented that he had yet to receive adequate rehabilitation support.

When contacted, Dr. Danga, a personal physician to Governor Kefas, said government intervention was a process but assured that the authorities would look into Paul’s situation.

Paul’s ordeal began during preparations for President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Taraba State for the Taraba Investment Summit, popularly known as TARAVEST, when he was electrocuted while raising the party flag.

The latest development has renewed concerns over his welfare, with the student appealing for urgent medical intervention to prevent further deterioration of his eyesight and help him rebuild his life.