Tragic Incident in Jalingo: 100-Level Taraba State Polytechnic Student Electrocuted While Flying PDP Flag During President Tinubu’s Visit

 

Jalingo, Taraba State — A shocking and tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday, May 22, 2025, when a 100-level student of Taraba State Polytechnic, Saanmoyol Paul, was electrocuted while flying the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along the busy Roadblock to ATC Road corridor in Jalingo, the state capital.

The unfortunate event took place amidst a lively demonstration of political support and enthusiasm as youths gathered to show solidarity for the PDP during the high-profile visit of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Taraba State. The visit was a part of the Taraba International Investment Summit (TARAVEST), an event aimed at promoting investment opportunities within the state.

The Incident: How It Happened

According to eyewitness accounts and reports from Leadership newspaper, Saanmoyol Paul was among dozens of youths waving the PDP flags to highlight the party’s presence and strength during the presidential visit. The demonstration was peaceful and marked by vibrant colors, chants, and patriotic fervor.

Tragically, the flag that Paul was holding, which was attached to a long iron handle, came into contact with an overhead electrical wire. The moment the metal flagpole touched the live wire, Paul was instantly electrocuted.

This sudden accident sent shockwaves through the crowd, with bystanders rushing to his aid while emergency services were contacted. The severity of the electric shock left Paul critically injured, and he was immediately rushed to Gilead Hospital in the Magami area of Jalingo for urgent medical attention.

President Tinubu’s Visit and Political Context

It is important to highlight that President Bola Tinubu was not physically present at the summit. Instead, the Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented him at the Taraba International Investment Summit. This event was significant as it aimed to attract investors and showcase the economic potentials of Taraba State to national and international stakeholders.

Despite the political importance of the summit, the incident involving Saanmoyol Paul cast a shadow over the day’s proceedings, drawing attention to safety concerns in public spaces during such large-scale political events.

The Victim’s Condition and Plea for Help

At Gilead Hospital, Paul, still recovering and visibly distressed, spoke with newsmen despite struggling to articulate his words due to the trauma and physical pain from the electrocution. In his brief statement, he appealed urgently to the Taraba State government for assistance.

Paul expressed deep concern over his worsening condition since his admission to the hospital. He lamented the lack of adequate medical care and infrastructure, which he said was affecting his chances of recovery.

“My condition is worsening since I was brought here,” Paul said with visible pain. He further appealed, “I am asking the government to come to my aid and relocate me from this hospital because I am not getting better care here.”

Broader Implications: Safety During Political Rallies

This tragic incident highlights a serious issue often overlooked during political rallies and public demonstrations: the safety of participants. In many parts of Nigeria, political events are vibrant and draw large crowds. However, the risks associated with such gatherings, including exposure to electrical hazards, traffic accidents, and stampedes, are sometimes not adequately addressed.

The use of metal flagpoles near overhead electrical lines, as in Paul’s case, is particularly dangerous. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for event organizers, political parties, and government officials to implement better safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.

Community Reaction and Calls for Accountability

The news of Saanmoyol Paul’s electrocution quickly spread across social media platforms and within the local community. Many expressed their sympathies and prayers for his speedy recovery. Some also criticized the organizers of the demonstration for not ensuring the safety of participants, especially students and young people who often bear the brunt of such oversights.

Community leaders and political activists have since called on the Taraba State government and the PDP to take responsibility and provide immediate support to Paul and his family. There have been demands for thorough investigations into how the incident happened and for measures to be put in place to avoid recurrence.

What This Means for Taraba State Polytechnic Students

Saanmoyol Paul’s status as a first-year student at Taraba State Polytechnic adds an extra layer of sadness to the event. Many students from the institution and beyond have expressed shock and concern, urging the school authorities to support him financially and morally.

Students have also begun conversations around the need for safety education during political activities and protests, emphasizing that enthusiasm for political engagement should never come at the cost of personal safety.

The Role of Political Parties in Ensuring Safety

Political parties have a responsibility to protect their supporters during campaigns and public events. The PDP, in particular, must take proactive steps to address this incident and review their event safety guidelines. Ensuring that supporters are informed about the dangers of metal objects near electrical installations and providing safer means for demonstrations could save lives in the future.

Government’s Role: A Call for Immediate Action

The government of Taraba State is now under pressure to intervene decisively. Medical experts have noted that Paul requires specialized treatment that may not be available at Gilead Hospital. Therefore, relocating him to a better-equipped medical facility is crucial for his survival and recovery.

Public health advocates also stress the need for the government to conduct safety audits in areas prone to electrical hazards, especially in public spaces frequently used for political rallies and events.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder for Greater Vigilance

The electrocution of Saanmoyol Paul is a tragic and avoidable accident that must serve as a catalyst for change. As Taraba State continues to host important national events like the TARAVEST summit, the safety of every citizen, especially young students eager to participate in the democratic process, must be prioritized.

This incident should prompt urgent reviews of public safety standards and comprehensive awareness campaigns about the risks involved in political demonstrations. Above all, it is a human story of a young life disrupted by negligence — a call for compassion, action, and accountability.