Amputee Student Thanks Taraba Governor, Appeals for Artificial Hands

Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo

Paul Saanmoyol, a 100-level student of Epidemiology and Disease Control at Taraba State Polytechnic, Jalingo, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Agbu Kefas for sponsoring his medical treatment after a tragic electrocution incident. He also made a passionate appeal to the state government for artificial hands to help him rebuild his life.

Saanmoyol was electrocuted on May 21, 2025, in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, while waving the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flag during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to the state. The incident occurred when the iron rod he used to fly the flag accidentally made contact with a live electrical wire. Vice President Kashim Shettima later represented the president at the event to flag off the Taraba Investment Summit, “TARAVEST.”

Following the accident, Saanmoyol was rushed to Girad Hospital in Magami, Jalingo, under the sponsorship of Governor Kefas. He later received further treatment at the National Orthopedic Hospital, located within the Taraba State Specialist Hospital. Unfortunately, both of his hands were amputated on June 19, 2025.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Saanmoyol thanked Governor Kefas for covering all his medical expenses from the day of the incident to the point of amputation.

He also expressed his distress over missing his semester examinations, which began on Monday, June 23, 2025, and appealed to the government for further assistance.

“I deeply appreciate Governor Agbu Kefas for his relentless support and for ensuring all my hospital bills were paid. I also thank my coordinator, Hon. Iliya Kefas, who has stood by me since the accident,” Saanmoyol said.

“I am now pleading with the Taraba State government to assist me with artificial hands, so I can regain some level of independence and be useful to myself and my family once I’m discharged from the hospital.”

Acknowledging the harsh job market, he further appealed to the governor for a job or skill-based opportunity that would allow him to earn a monthly income.

“I understand jobs are hard to come by, but I’m appealing to His Excellency to kindly create an opportunity for me—something where I can use my skills to support myself and my loved ones,” he added.

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