Actor Dies After Prop Cannon Malfunction During Passion Play Rehearsal in Cross River

Tragedy has struck in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, where a Passion of Christ play actor, Michael Nnanke Obeten, lost his life due to a prop malfunction. Obeten, a Mass Communication graduate from the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and a performer who had portrayed Jesus Christ in previous years, was reportedly coaching younger actors when the incident occurred.

The fatal event took place during a rehearsal for the Good Friday drama. At the scene depicting Jesus' crucifixion (station 12), a locally made cannon, known as 'oginigbo,' which was intended to produce a thunderous sound effect, failed during its operation. The malfunction caused a sharp iron component of the cannon to strike Obeten directly in the head.

Obeten, fondly remembered by his colleagues as “Englishman,” was an active member of the 2007 Macosite Alumni Group of UNICROSS. His passing has prompted his former classmates to call for justice and accountability.

In a statement released by Lesoda-Ada on behalf of the alumni group, it was alleged that individuals without proper licensing to handle firearms were responsible for discharging the cannon. The statement detailed that the blast propelled debris, which hit Obeten, resulting in severe head injuries.

Despite immediate medical attention and preparations for emergency surgery, Obeten succumbed to his injuries. His death has intensified calls for stricter regulations and reforms concerning the use of firearms and similar devices at public events.

The alumni group expressed profound grief over Obeten's death, describing it as a preventable tragedy that has left a significant void. "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 demanding a thorough investigation into the incident to identify and prosecute those responsible for handling the cannon, as well as to hold event organizers accountable for any safety protocol failures.

Furthermore, the alumni are advocating for an immediate prohibition of firearms and cannons at public religious and cultural gatherings, citing the inherent risks to participants. They are urging authorities to rigorously enforce existing laws that permit the handling of such weapons only by licensed professionals.

The group issued a stark warning, highlighting that the continued presence of unregulated firearms at public events poses a escalating safety hazard. "The use of unlicensed firearms at public events has already claimed one life. Without urgent attention, it will claim more,” the statement concluded.