The family of Ihotu John Rebecca, a Nigerian female footballer with Pacesetter Queens FC in the NWFL Premiership, has raised the alarm over her abduction by suspected gunmen along the Benin Expressway.
Rebecca was reportedly kidnapped while returning home, throwing her family, teammates and the local football community into panic.
Her abductors are said to be demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for her release.
A family source described the situation as “heartbreaking and urgent,” noting that the young footballer has devoted her career to representing women’s football at the top domestic level in Nigeria.
“We are pleading with well-meaning Nigerians to come to our aid. The amount demanded is beyond what the family can afford,” the source said.
The family has also appealed to football stakeholders, club executives, sponsors, government officials and sports administrators to intervene and support efforts to secure her safe return.
As at the time of filing this report, security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Benin Expressway has in recent years recorded cases of kidnappings and armed attacks, raising fresh concerns about the safety of commuters along the route.
Her colleagues and supporters have continued to express hope for her safe and speedy release
