How a 100 level Taraba Poly student was abandoned after electrocution

By Godwin Agia, Jalingo

Iorhee Paul, a 100-level student at Taraba State Polytechnic, has been left to fend for himself after a tragic electrocution incident that resulted in the amputation of both his hands.

Despite the state government’s initial assumption of his medical bills, Paul has been abandoned without proper care or attention.

Paul was hoisting a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag near the polytechnic gate in Jalingo, Taraba State, when the metal handle of the flagpole accidentally came into contact with a high-tension electric wire.

The incident occurred during a political rally in support of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was representing President Bola Tinubu at the Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST). Paul, alongside other youths, was waving party flags to demonstrate support when the accident happened.

The electric shock was so severe that it led to the amputation of both his hands. After the incident, Paul was rushed to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo for emergency treatment.

Due to the extent of his injuries, he was later referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital. After 28 days of intensive care, doctors performed a double amputation surgery on June 19, 2025, in a bid to save his life.

“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,” Paul said, reflecting on his ordeal.

Despite the state government’s initial assumption of his medical expenses, Paul’s poor parents is struggling to cope with the situation. They are appealing for additional assistance to support his rehabilitation and future livelihood.

Paul’s condition continues to deteriorate, and he is in dire need of further medical attention. His family is finding it challenging to manage his care without adequate support.

Paul’s 2 hands have been cut off after undergoing amputation surgery as a result of the electrocution, he has since been abandoned over a month ago by those that recruited him to fly the PDP flag, struggling at pay medical bills.

Earlier, the Taraba State government through the Coordinator of Taraba State Sanitation Agency, Hon. Iliya Kefas took responsibility for the initial medical bills.

Peoples Daily correspondent’s visit at the hospital recently gathered that Mr. Paul has since been abandoned by the state government and the PDP members in the state, speaking with injuries in the hospital bed, Paul told Our correspondent that the government has since abandoned him, leaving him without proper medical care or attention.

He alleges that doctors have left him unattended to while his old mother do struggled on daily basis for him to receive necessary treatment.

“Despite my critical condition, I have been left to fend for myself. The government’s abandonment has left me and my poor family in distress.

“I am appealing for assistance from the state government to fulfill its commitment to my medical care. I needs immediate attention to receive necessary treatment and rehabilitation,” Paul said.

Meanwhile, The Publicity secretary of the Youths Vanguards, Taraba state chapter Mr. Vincent Abon while speaking with our correspondent over the incident urge youths in the state to venture into activities that could earn them productive leaving rather than risking themselves for politicians.

Also, the chairman Taraba Yam Market Association Mr. Ataver Gum also call on youths to concentrate on studies in their various Schools, learning in their workshops and stop parading themselves to be used by politicians.

Both parents frown at the way Mr. Iorhee Paul has been abandoned by those who employed him to fly the PDP flag.

When contacted, the coordinator, Taraba State Sanitation Agency Hon. Iliya Kefas who double as the coordinator PDP youths Vanguard that engaged the services of youths to carry PDP flags in the state told our correspondent that he earlier took Mr. Paul to the hospital as a result of pity but not right.

“I took the boy to the hospital as a result of pity, is not composary for me to do that, nobody should blame me of leaving him in the hospital. Kefas stated in Hausa language..

The story of Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul is a call to action for the state government and stakeholders to take immediate action to address his situation and provide necessary assistance for his recovery.