By Bukola Olamona

The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA), has debunked reports suggesting that three individuals abducted in Oke Oge, Oba Ile area of Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, were its students.

The institution clarified that the victims were graduates who had completed their National Diploma (ND) programmes and were currently undergoing their mandatory one-year Industrial Training (IT).

The Registrar of the college, O. P. Owolabi, in a statement, expressed sympathy for the abducted individuals and their families but stressed that they were no longer under the college’s academic or administrative supervision.

He explained that Industrial Training is an external programme undertaken after graduation, absolving FECA of any responsibility for their unfortunate ordeal.

The institution commended security agencies, particularly the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun Corps, for their ongoing rescue efforts and urged authorities to step up actions to ensure the victims’ safe return.

Dismissing reports that the school was being held responsible for ransom demands, FECA described such claims as misleading and capable of causing unnecessary panic. It urged journalists and the public to verify information before dissemination to prevent distortion of facts.

The management assured students, parents, and staff that peace and security remained intact on campus, with academic and administrative activities continuing without disruption. It also acknowledged the proactive measures taken by the Ondo State Government and security agencies to facilitate the victims’ rescue.

Appealing for calm, the institution urged the media to ensure responsible reporting while expressing hope for the swift release of the abducted individuals.