By Odey Ojeka
UGEP (CONVERSEER) – A tragic accident occurred at Holy Cross Catholic Church Ugep on Good Friday, claiming the life of Michael Obeten, a dedicated member of the church.
Obeten, who played the role of Jesus Christ in 2023 and 2024, was coaching young actors during the Passion Play this 2026 when the incident happened.
At station 12, where Jesus dies on the cross, a local bomb (“oginigbo”) meant to create a thunder effect malfunctioned, and its sharp iron struck Obeten’s head. He fell, and despite initial thoughts that he was acting, blood gushing from his head, nose, and mouth revealed the severity of the situation.
Obeten, wearing a black shirt, black trousers, and a face cap, was assisting actors with microphones, paint, and other needs when the accident occurred. He will be buried tomorrow, 7 April 2026, by 9 a.m. The church and community are in mourning.
Converseer reports that Obeten graduated in 2012 from Mass Communication at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
