Three Catholic priests were reportedly assaulted by a group of young men believed to be National Democratic Congress (NDC) at a customs checkpoint near Nkwanta in the Oti Region 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 travelling with a Municipal Assembly official when the incident occurred.

According to ASP Lawrence Wiafe, who is investigating the case, the priests were on their way to Chieso to inspect land they had cleared with assistance from the Municipal Assembly.

The group was transporting a District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) machine on a low-bed vehicle, accompanied by the Assembly’s engineer, Mr. Mensah.

Upon reaching the customs checkpoint, they were confronted by a group of young men who accused them of stealing the equipment.

In the ensuing altercation, Rev. Father Chettipparambil Jiju Jacob was physically assaulted.

The injured priest was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta, where he is currently receiving treatment. Police have issued a medical form for further assessment of his injuries and statements from the victims have been requested for further investigation.

In addition, the Municipal Engineer and the Coordinating Director of the Assembly have been invited to provide their accounts of the incident.

Police assure the public that updates on the case will be communicated as investigations progress.