Authorities of the Federal College of Agriculture (FECA), Akure, Ondo State, said that the two individuals kidnapped last Saturday on a farm at Oke Oge in the Oba Ile community, Akure North Local Government Area, were not students of the institution
The management of the institution described the reports as misleading and inaccurate.
A statement issued on Monday by the college’s Registrar, Mr Olufemi Owolabi, clarified that the victims were no longer students of the institution, having graduated.
FECA said: “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 programmes and are currently undergoing their mandatory one-year Industrial Training.
“While FECA sympathises with the victims and their families during this difficult time, it is crucial to emphasise that they are no longer students of the college.
“Industrial Training is an external programme undertaken after graduation, meaning they are outside the direct academic or administrative jurisdiction of the institution. As such, the college cannot be held responsible for their unfortunate abduction.
“We commend the efforts of security agencies, particularly the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), in working towards their safe release and urge the relevant authorities to intensify rescue efforts.”
The institution urged the media and the public to verify information before dissemination to prevent misinformation.
“The management emphasises that 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,” the institution stated.
