Nigerian Man Dies While Coaching Actors During Passion of Christ Rehearsal in Cross River

• Michael Obeten, a Mass Communication graduate and Passion of Christ actor, lost his life on Good Friday in a tragic accident
• He was coaching young actors at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ugep, Cross River State, when a local bomb, known as "oginigbo", malfunctioned and struck him in the head
• Obeten, who had played Jesus Christ in 2023 and 2024, was a dedicated church member, and his death left everyone in mourning

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A tragic accident occurred on Good Friday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ugep, Cross River State, claiming the life of Michael Obeten, a Mass Communication graduate and actor who played the role of Jesus Christ in the church's Passion of Christ play.

According to reports, the incident happened while Obeten was coaching young actors during the passion play rehearsal.

Man dies during passion of Christ rehearsal

Obeten was at station 12, the scene where Jesus' crucifixion was depicted, when a local bomb, known as oginigbo, meant to create a thunder effect, malfunctioned and struck him on the head.

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The impact was fatal, with Obeten suffering severe injuries to his head, nose, and mouth, Vanguard reports.

Obeten, who was dressed in a black shirt, black trousers, and a baseball cap, was assisting with microphones, paint, and other needs when the accident occurred.

Initially, eyewitnesses reportedly thought that he was acting, but the severity of his injuries soon became apparent.

The incident caused grief during the Easter celebrations, with the clergy, church members, and the community left to mourn the loss of a dedicated member.

The Rev Father in charge of Holy Cross Catholic Church reportedly declined to comment on the incident, stating that it was a tragic event and only God knows best.

Reactions trail Obeten's death

Nigerians have been reacting to the young man's demise.

Ogochukwu said:

"I just read that this guy died in their church in Cross Rivers State on Friday while they were acting the sufferings and crucifixion of Christ."

Esperanzo said:

"This is so heartbreaking. Losing someone while serving and bringing a story of hope is truly tragic. May Michael Obeten’s soul rest in perfect peace, and may his family and community find comfort in this painful time."

Kalby said:

"This is really sad. May he rest in peace, but how did a rehearsal even get to the point of using something that dangerous?"

Samaro said:

"Ooh my God, I think this whole passion drama should be banned, they act so carelessly, they wouldn’t know if the person is being serious any longer."

Kaine said:

"A devoted life lost in service of faith. May God comfort those mourning Michael Obeten and grant him eternal rest."

Buzz said:

"A tragic accident in Cross River claims the life of Passion of Christ actor Michael Obeten after a cannon malfunction during rehearsal. The incident raises urgent safety concerns over church reenactments and calls for safer alternatives."

Michael added:

"No be lie bro."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Duro Michael was announced dead and details about his demise trended online.

Nollywood producer Stanley Ontop revealed that the deceased had been bedridden for months.