The Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), was at the weekend thrown into a state of mourning following the discovery of the lifeless body of a 100-level student of the institution.
The body of the deceased, identified as Favour Olaniyi, was found inside a bush along the North Gate of the institution.
The deceased, a male student of the institution’s Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, was found under circumstances that have fuelled speculation of suicide.
An empty bottle of a substance suspected to be a lethal herbicide was said to have been recovered at the scene following the discovery of his body.
Following the development, students and residents within the area were seen gathered in clusters, struggling to comprehend the tragic incident.
Confirming the incident, the Director, Corporate Communication and Protocol of FUTA, Adegbenro Adebanjo, who expressed the institution’s sadness over the loss of the student, disclosed that the parents of the deceased had been informed of the development.
Adebanjo, who stressed that the university is cooperating with police investigators, stated that officials from the Students Affairs Division are providing counselling support to fellow students who may have been impacted by the tragedy.
‘The Students Affairs Division, FUTA, has always reiterated its readiness and willingness to provide support for students who may be battling any issues and will continue to do so.
‘Students are encouraged to take advantage of the availability of such counselling and guidance when they are faced with any issues on and off campus’.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that an investigation had commenced into the incident, stating that there were no visible marks of violence on the body of the deceased when detectives visited the scene.
He said, ‘The corpse has been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and further examination, while investigations to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident have commenced’.
