A mass communication graduate from the University of Cross River State, Michael Obeten has died after being hit by a cannon blast during the dramatisation of the passion of Christ.
The tragic incident happened in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Obeten reportedly died during a theatrical performance while trying to re-enact the biblical story, that represents the last days of Jesus Christ, typically performed during Easter celebrations.
In the process, a piece of the explosive cannon flew off and hit Obeten on the head, knocking him unconscious.
Family sources said that Obeten, an ardent Catholic of the Holy Cross Catholic Parish, Ugep, had been acting the part of Jesus Christ during the church’s depiction of the last hours before the crucifixion.
Read also:
- Cross River to host 2026 Queens Cup as Governor Otu boosts Pelican Stars funding, Stadium upgrade plans unveiled
- Cross River Government orders mandatory profiling of mining operators over illegal activities
- Thugs disrupt ADC Secretariat commissioning in Cross River, as Police deploy officers to restore order
“It was a dramatic recreation of the Bible story, and we had to recreate the sound of thunder” the source maintained.
“When he was knocked by the blast and he became unconscious, he was immediately taken to the General Hospital in Ugep, but was later referred to the Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for specialist medical care,” the family source also revealed.
The source added that unfortunately, Obeten’s condition did not improve, and he passed on, leaving behind a father who is confined to a wheelchair and who he was caring for.
