A student of the Taraba State Polytechnic, Iorhee Paul, who lost both hands in an electrocution incident, has appealed to governor Agbu Kefas to provide him with prosthetic hands and assist him in securing employment to enable him rebuild his life.

Paul made the appeal at the weekend in Jalingo, months after he survived the incident during the 2025 Taraba State Investment Summit (TARVEST), where he was reportedly electrocuted while holding a party flag to welcome Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The incident resulted in the amputation of both his hands, leaving the student to adjust to life with severe physical limitations.

Paul said although the state government had sponsored his medical treatment, he was still waiting for the prosthetic hands he was promised after his wounds had healed.

He said governor Kefas’ personal physician, Dr Danga I. Danga, had assured him that artificial limbs would be provided once he recovered fully.

Beyond the provision of prosthetic hands, Paul appealed to the state government to consider employing him, saying a regular source of income would help him meet his basic needs and regain some measure of independence.

He, however, expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for sponsoring his medical treatment and providing him with N500,000 after his discharge from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jalingo.

According to him, the financial assistance helped him continue treating wounds that had not completely healed when he was discharged.

“I am not making the demands alone. I sincerely want to thank Governor Agbu Kefas for sponsoring my medical bills and subsequently releasing N500,000 to me after I was discharged from the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jalingo.

“The money helped me in no small measure in treating some of the wounds that were not fully healed.

“I would love to see Governor Agbu Kefas, express my appreciation to him and also tell him the challenges I am currently facing.

“I can no longer hold a pen and write, but I can operate a cellphone without assistance from anyone. That is to tell you that I school online,” he said.

Paul also appealed to philanthropists, individuals and other well-meaning residents to support him, stressing that prosthetic hands would significantly improve his ability to adapt to his new circumstances.

“I am also pleading with the state government, philanthropists and well-to-do individuals to please come to my aid by providing me with prosthetic hands and other things that will help me recover from this trauma because this is a new life for me altogether,” he added.

The student disclosed that the Taraba State Polytechnic had also promised to train him at its skills acquisition centre, an opportunity he said would help him acquire skills for self-reliance.

Responding to Paul’s appeal, Dr Danga I. Danga, the personal physician to governor Kefas and doctor handling his case, explained that the survivor would have to undergo another surgical procedure before prosthetic limbs could be fitted.

Danga said discussions were ongoing with the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital over the next stage of Paul’s treatment.

“The prosthetic hands, I am discussing with the Chief Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital. The idea is that the wound must be completely healed before you can think of artificial hands.

“If you see him very well, there is what is called contracture. You can see that on the left, it is almost getting to the arm. The CMAC told me there will be another surgery so that the place can be opened. So, it will take a little time,” he said.

The physician added that the cosmetic surgeon needed for the procedure was not permanently based in Jalingo, explaining that the specialist comes from Enugu State.

For Paul, however, the wait for the next stage of treatment has become part of a difficult adjustment to a new life—one in which he is determined to continue his education while seeking the medical support, skills training and economic opportunity needed to regain his independence.