Oti: Priests assaulted over alleged theft of DRIP equipment

Three Catholic priests were reportedly assaulted near a customs checkpoint in Nkwanta, Oti Region, by young men allegedly linked to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Tuesday, December 12, 2024.

The victims, Rev. Father Chettipparambil Jiju Jacob, 42, Rev. Father Robinson Melkis, 51, and Rev. Father Martin V. Ggorug, 48, were en route to Chieso to inspect land cleared with Municipal Assembly assistance.

They were transporting a District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) machine on a low-bed vehicle, accompanied by the Assembly’s engineer.

The attackers accused them of stealing the equipment, leading to an altercation where Rev. Jiju Jacob was injured. He is receiving treatment at St. Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta.

Police are investigating, having requested statements from the victims and summoned Municipal Assembly officials. Updates will be provided as the case progresses.