By Kelvin Ololo
The death of Mr. Michael Nnanke Obeten, a respected alumnus of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and community figure, has ignited fresh calls for urgent reforms on the use of firearms at public gatherings, as his former classmates demand justice and accountability over what they describe as a preventable tragedy.
Obeten, popularly known as “Englishman,” was a member of the 2007 Macosite Alumni Group of the Cross River University of Technology (CRUTECH), now the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS). He had attended a Good Friday dramatic presentation in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, when the fatal incident occurred.
According to a formal statement issued by Lesoda-Ada for the alumni group and made available to CrossRiverWatch newsroom, a cannon was discharged during the event by individuals they allege were not licensed to handle firearms. The blast reportedly sent debris flying, striking Obeten in the head and leaving him with severe brain injuries.
He was rushed for urgent medical attention and scheduled for emergency surgery, but did not survive.
The alumni group, speaking through its representative, described the incident as both tragic and avoidable, stressing that Obeten’s death has left a deep void among colleagues, friends, and family.
“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.
Beyond mourning, the group is now pressing for decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
They are calling for a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identification and prosecution of those responsible for handling the cannon. They also demand that event organizers be held accountable for any lapses in safety protocols.
Central to their demands is an outright ban on the use of firearms and cannons at public religious and cultural gatherings, a practice they argue poses significant risks to unsuspecting participants.
They further urged authorities to enforce existing laws restricting the handling of such weapons strictly to licensed professionals.
The group warned that the continued use of unregulated firearms in public spaces represents a growing safety crisis.
“The use of unlicensed firearms at public events has already claimed one life. Without urgent attention, it will claim more,” the statement emphasized.
Obeten’s death has since stirred concern within the wider community, with many questioning safety standards at large gatherings, especially during religious reenactments that often involve simulated weapons.
As pressure mounts, the alumni group says it is prepared to provide further details and participate in any investigation aimed at ensuring justice is served.
For now, what remains is a grieving community and a growing demand that authorities act swiftly, not only to uncover the truth behind Obeten’s death, but to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
Since You Are Here, Support Good JournalismCrossRiverWatch was founded on the ideals of deploying tech tools to report in an ethical manner, news, views and analysis with a narrative that ensures transparency in governance, a good society and an accountable democracy. Everyone appreciates good journalism but it costs a lot of money. Nonetheless, it cannot be sacrificed on the altar of news commercialization. Consider making a modest contribution to support CrossRiverWatch's journalism of credibility and integrity in order to ensure that all have continuous free access to our noble endeavor. CLICK HERE |
New Feature: Don't miss any of our news again.Get all our articles in your facebook chat box.Click the Facebook Messenger Icon below to subscribe now
Text Advert by CRWatch :Place Yours
Will You To Learn How To Make Millions Of Naira Making Special Creams From Your Kitchen?.Click Here
Expose Your Business And Make More Sales. Advertise On CrossRiverWatch.com Today
Leave feedback about this