Fear and outrage have followed the reported abduction of Nigerian female footballer Ihotu John Rebecca, who was allegedly kidnapped along the busy Benin Expressway.
Rebecca, a defender with Pacesetter Queens FC, a side competing in the NWFL Premiership, was said to be travelling home when armed men intercepted her vehicle and took her away.
Ransom Demand Reported
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the abductors have contacted associates of the player, demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for her release. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, but the incident is believed to have occurred during routine travel on the highway, a route frequently used by commuters and travellers.
Growing Anxiety Over Highway Security
The kidnapping has triggered widespread concern among fans, sports stakeholders, and residents of Edo State, where cases of abduction along major roads have remained a persistent security challenge.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express shock and frustration, questioning the safety of athletes and citizens who rely on the country’s highways for daily movement.
Calls for Urgent Government Action
Supporters and concerned citizens are urging authorities to intensify rescue efforts and implement stronger security measures to curb the rising wave of kidnappings. The incident has renewed calls for sustained surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-driven operations along high-risk corridors.
As of the time of filing this report, officials in Nigeria had yet to release an official statement confirming details of the abduction or outlining steps being taken to secure the player’s freedom.
