A 27 Year-old graduate, Michael Obeten has been reported dead after sustaining fatal injuries during the Holy week Passion play in Ugep, Cross River State. According to New Telegraph publication on April 6, 2026, the tragedy struck after a pyrotechnic device malfunctioned during the passion play
Obeten, a Mass Communication graduate of the University of Cross River State and an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Parish, Ugep, was portraying Jesus Christ in the parish’s annual dramatization of the Passion of Christ, a re-enactment of the suffering and death of Jesus traditionally staged yearly on good Friday
It was disclosed by Eyewitnesses that the incident occurred when a cannon used to simulate thunder during the crucifixion scene misfired. A fragment from the explosive device struck Obeten on the head, knocking him unconscious in front of parishioners.
“The blast was meant to create the sound of thunder, but something went wrong,” said one parishioner who asked not to be named. “He fell immediately. Everyone thought it was part of the play at first.”
It was further reported that Obeten was rushed to General Hospital, Ugep, for emergency treatment. Due to the severity of his head injury, doctors referred him to the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State where he died while receiving treatment.
Parish members described Obeten as devoted and soft-spoken, often volunteering for church activities. He had reportedly taken part in previous Easter dramas but this was his first time playing the role of Christ.
However, Police in Cross River State confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway to determine how the pyrotechnic device was sourced and handled.
The Catholic Diocese of Ogoja has not yet issued an official statement, but parishioners held a prayer session for the deceased on Monday evening.
Obeten’s death has sparked calls on social media for stricter safety measures around the use of explosives and live effects in religious and cultural performances.
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