Reverend Father Michael Obi escapes death after car explosion in Cross River

Reverend Father Michael Abang Obi, a Catholic priest from the Ogoja Diocese, narrowly escaped death after his car exploded on New Year’s Eve.

He had just returned from officiating at a wedding and stopped to help local women in his parish.

Eyewitnesses reported that the car was completely destroyed in the blast. Father Obi, who serves as the administrator of St. Joseph de Worker Parish in Bansara and Vicar for Priests in the Catholic Diocese of Ogoja, is the longest-serving vicar in the diocese, having spent 25 years coordinating the work of other priests.

Speaking about the incident, Father Obi explained, “I attended a wedding at a nearby parish and drove back to my own parish. Upon arriving, I noticed a Reverend Sister and her group gathering firewood in the school compound. I stopped to guide them to a better spot for firewood. As I got back into my car and was about to drive off, the explosion occurred. I was fortunate to have the door open. I am saved. Thanks be to God.”

He continued, “This happened yesterday. All we can do is return all glory to God the Father, Almighty!”

The explosion was confirmed by another senior priest in the Ogoja diocese, Sir Nandi Bette.