Man dies after cannon malfunctions and hits him during Passion of Christ rehearsal in Cross River

A Mass Communication graduate of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and Passion of Christ actor, Michael Nnanke Obeten, died when a cannon malfunctioned and hit him during a Good Friday drama rehearsal. 

The fatal incident occurred in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State. 

According to vanguard, Obeten, who had played Jesus Christ in 2023 and 2024, was coaching young actors during the passion play when the incident occurred. 

At station 12, where Jesus dies on the cross, the cannon locally known as “oginigbo”, meant to create a thunder effect malfunctioned. It’s sharp iron struck Obeten’s head. 

Obeten, popularly known as “Englishman,” was a member of the 2007 Macosite Alumni Group of UNICROSS. 

According to a formal statement issued by Lesoda-Ada for the alumni group and made available to CrossRiverWatch, the cannon was discharged during the event by individuals they allege were not licensed to handle firearms. 

“The blast reportedly sent debris flying, striking Obeten in the head and leaving him with severe brain injuries,” the statement read. 

He was rushed for urgent medical attention and scheduled for emergency surgery, but did not survive.

His d3ath has ignited fresh calls for urgent reforms on the use of firearms at public gatherings, as his former classmates demand justice and accountability over what they describe as a preventable tragedy. 

The alumni group, speaking through its representative, described the incident as both tragic and avoidable, stressing that Obeten’s death has left a deep void among colleagues, friends, and family.

“Mike Obeten was more than a classmate. He was a leader, a unifier, and a friend to many. His death was entirely preventable,” the statement read.
 

The group is now pressing for decisive action to prevent a recurrence.

They are calling for a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identification and prosecution of those responsible for handling the cannon.

They also demand that event organizers be held accountable for any lapses in safety protocols.

The group also demanded outright ban on the use of firearms and cannons at public religious and cultural gatherings, a practice they argue poses significant risks to unsuspecting participants.

They further urged authorities to enforce existing laws restricting the handling of such weapons strictly to licensed professionals.

The group warned that the continued use of unregulated firearms in public spaces represents a growing safety crisis.

“The use of unlicensed firearms at public events has already claimed one life. Without urgent attention, it will claim more,” the statement emphasized.