Ihotu John Rebecca, a Nigerian professional footballer, has been abducted along the Benin Expressway, with her captors demanding ₦20 million for her release. The incident has sparked concern within the football community and beyond.
Rebecca, who plays for Pacesetter Queens FC in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership, was reportedly kidnapped while returning home. Details surrounding the exact time and circumstances of the abduction have not yet been disclosed.
Her family confirmed that the kidnappers have established contact and are insisting on a ₦20 million ransom. They described the situation as urgent and appealed to the public for assistance.
The victim is regarded as a rising figure in Nigerian women’s football, competing at the country’s top domestic level. Her abduction adds to growing security concerns along major highways, including the Benin Expressway.
Relatives have called on football stakeholders, club administrators, sponsors, sports authorities and government officials to intervene and support efforts aimed at securing her safe return.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
