Tragedy in Ugep: Canon Explosion Kills Actor During ‘Passion of Christ’ Rehearsal

​UGEP — What was intended to be a solemn dramatization of the final hours of Jesus Christ turned into a real-life tragedy on Good Friday at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

​Michael Obeten, a 40-year-old Mass Communication graduate and a pillar of the local parish, lost his life following a freak accident involving a local explosive device used for dramatic effect.

​A Scene of Real Horror

​Obeten, fondly known in the community as “English Man,” was a veteran of the annual Passion Play, having portrayed the role of Jesus Christ in 2023 and 2024. This year, he had taken on a mentorship role, coaching younger actors and assisting with technical stage needs.

​The incident occurred at “Station 12″—the point in the Way of the Cross representing the death of Christ. To simulate the biblical earthquake and thunder mentioned in the Gospel of John, a local canon known as oginigbo was detonated.

​Witnesses report that the device malfunctioned, sending a sharp piece of iron debris flying directly into Obeten’s head. While onlookers initially thought his collapse was a visceral part of the performance, the sight of blood gushing from his head, nose, and mouth quickly signaled a dire emergency.

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​The Desperate Race for Life

​The tragedy sparked a frantic effort to save the dedicated church member. Obeten was first rushed to the General Hospital in Ugep. However, due to the severity of his head injuries, he was referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

​Sources indicate that as his condition worsened, a further referral was made to a specialist facility in Enugu. Tragically, a close friend confirmed that Obeten passed away upon arrival in Enugu, never regaining consciousness.

​A Community in Mourning

​The death of Obeten, a 2012 graduate of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), has cast a dark shadow over the Easter celebrations in Yakurr. Beyond his involvement in the church, Obeten was known as a devoted son who almost single-handedly cared for his father, who is confined to a wheelchair.

​The Parish Priest of Holy Cross Catholic Church, visibly shaken by the event, offered few words to the press. “It has happened. God knows best,” he stated, reflecting the somber mood of the clergy and parishioners.

​As of Tuesday, the community remains in a state of shock, mourning a man who spent his final moments teaching others how to portray the ultimate sacrifice, only to become a victim of a tragic accident on the same stage.