In a recent post on Punch Newspaper on Sunday, May 31, 2026, a National Youth Service Corps member, Peace Bassey, has shared the painful story of how a near-fatal electric shock at her workplace in 2015 left her with a lifelong disability, forcing her to rebuild her life amid emotional, physical, and social challenges.
Bassey, who recently opened up about her experience on social media, said the incident occurred on June 1, 2015, while she was working at a company that sold fairly used mobile phones.
According to her, the day began like any other. She arrived at work unaware that a routine electrical repair being carried out by officials of a power distribution company would change the course of her life forever.
“Everything seemed normal until I suffered a severe electric shock,” she recalled. “It felt like my entire body was on fire, and I immediately lost control.”
The young woman said she later learned that electricity had been restored while repair work was ongoing. She was rushed to several hospitals, but they reportedly declined to take her case before she was eventually admitted to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
Bassey remained unconscious for two days before regaining awareness. By then, doctors were battling to save her life while her family prayed for her recovery.
The injuries left devastating scars on her body, affecting her face, head, hands, back, and mouth. Beyond the physical pain, she struggled to accept the reality of living with a disability.
“There were days I cried endlessly and asked myself why it happened to me,” she said. “Watching other people do simple things I could no longer do was heartbreaking.”
Despite receiving support from family members and close friends, Bassey admitted she battled depression and suicidal thoughts during her recovery. She recalled using a handkerchief to cover her mouth in public because she felt self-conscious about her appearance.
She also faced discrimination from some customers at work who mocked and insulted her because of her injuries.
“At times, I would get home and cry. The comments were painful, and there were moments I felt I could no longer go on,” she said.
However, Bassey eventually found strength in her faith and determination to rebuild her future. She returned to school, earning a National Diploma from Lagos State Polytechnic and later a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration from Kwara State Polytechnic.
Now serving as a corps member, she says her survival has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
Reflecting on her journey, Bassey urged society to place less emphasis on physical appearance and show greater compassion toward people living with disabilities.
“Life can change in an instant,” she said. “What truly matters is how we treat one another and the strength we find to keep moving forward despite adversity…..See More
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