FECA Clarifies Alleged Student Abduction Reports
The management of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) has clarified recent media reports regarding the abduction of three individuals at Oke Oge in the Oba Ile area of Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The clarification was made in a press statement issued and electronically signed by the Registrar of the institution, O.P. Owolabi, which was made available to the media today .
The statement reads: “Contrary to misleading headlines suggesting that the victims are current students of FECA, we categorically state that they are graduates of the institution who have successfully completed their National Diploma (ND) programmes and are currently undergoing their mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT),” it stated.
The college sympathises with the victims and their families, emphasising that they are no longer students of the college but are on Industrial Training, which is an external programme undertaken after graduation. This, it stated, means that they are outside the direct academic or administrative jurisdiction of the institution, and as such, the college cannot be held responsible for their unfortunate abduction.
The college commended the efforts of security agencies, particularly the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), in working towards their safe release, while urging relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
Additionally, the statement appealed to the media and the general public to verify information before dissemination to avoid misrepresentation of facts. According to the college management, there is no iota of truth in reports suggesting that the college is being held responsible for ransom demands. False or misleading reports can create unnecessary panic and distort the reality of the situation.
“We wish to reassure parents, guardians, staff, and students that peace prevails on campus. The college remains a safe and secure learning environment, and all academic and administrative activities are ongoing without disruption,” it stated.
It stated that proactive measures have been taken by the state government, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, to ensure the safe and timely rescue of the abducted individuals. It, however, urged everyone to remain calm and hopeful for their swift and safe return.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the public and the media in ensuring accurate and responsible reportage.”
