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A first-year student of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, Paul Saanmorior Iorhee, is fighting for a second chance at life after suffering a tragic electric shock that cost him both hands.
Paul, a student of the School of Basic and Applied Sciences, was taking part in a flag-hoisting exercise for the Taraba State Investment Summit (TARAVEST) on May 21, 2025, when his flag pole accidentally came in contact with a high-tension power line.
Witnesses initially believed he was dead. He collapsed immediately, lifeless and cold. People began crying. But when someone got closer, they discovered that Paul was still breathing—barely. He was quickly rushed to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo, where doctors fought hard to stabilise him. Later, he was referred to the Taraba State Specialist Hospital and the National Orthopaedic Hospital for more treatment.
Unfortunately, due to the extent of the burns, Paul lost both hands.
Paul’s case shook the entire school and neighbourhood. Everyone knew him as a hardworking, humble young man. He was the first son of his parents, and the one who carried most of the family’s burden—especially on the farm.
“I come from a family of farmers,” Paul said from his hospital bed. “I love farming and used to help my parents with everything. My younger brother limps, so most of the heavy work falls on me.”
Paul had only just gained admission into the polytechnic. He had not even written his first exam before tragedy struck.
“When I left home for school, it was to break the cycle of poverty in my family. I did not want my children to end up depending on farming the way we do. I had a dream to become someone in the medical field,” he added.
On that fateful day, he joined friends who had been hired to help hoist flags at the event venue. He never imagined that it would turn into the worst day of his life.
“The pole touched the high-tension cable,” Paul recalled. “Next thing, I woke up in the hospital… without my hands.”
At first, he wished he had died.
“When I saw my hands were gone, I asked God, why am I still alive? Maybe it would have been better if I was gone. But later I remembered what the Bible says—that no life should be exchanged for anything. So I began to thank God that I am even alive.”
Paul’s father, who rushed from Bali to Jalingo after hearing conflicting reports, could hardly bear the sight of his son.
“When I saw him lying on the bed, I felt my world had ended. Paul is literally my right hand. I am growing old. He does all the heavy work on the farm. Even after gaining admission, he would still come home on weekends to help us.”
The father added that although he is grateful Paul survived, the family is in deep pain. His mother has not stopped crying.
“Right now, I am only praying for his full recovery. But my heart is broken. I do not even know where to start again.”
The school management is considering special rehabilitation for Paul. The Rector of Taraba State Polytechnic, Danlamin Agbu, said they are already thinking about the next steps.
“We are appealing to well-meaning individuals and organisations to support Paul with prosthetic limbs. With that, he can continue with his studies. He is a bright student who found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Paul, however, is looking beyond recovery. He is already thinking about his future.
“I cannot go back to farming. I do not want to be useless. I want to be able to support my family. That is why I am begging Governor Agbu Kefas to give me a civil service job when I leave the hospital. Just something I can do to remain useful and productive.”
He added with strength and calmness:
“I am grateful to everyone who has shown me love. And I am thankful to the Taraba State Government for handling my medical bills. But I still need help. I need hope. I just want to live with dignity and be able to put food on our table again, even without hands.”
This story is a hard reminder of how one second can change a life forever. But Paul’s courage, even in deep pain, speaks volumes.
He may have lost his hands, but his spirit remains strong. What he needs now is support — from the government, good Nigerians, and anyone who can help give him a new beginning.
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