Ihotu John Rebecca kidnapped along Benin Expressway as abductors demand ₦20m ransom
Nigerian female footballer Ihotu John Rebecca has been kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Benin Expressway, with her abductors demanding a ransom of ₦20 million for her release. The incident has triggered outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity on major highways in Nigeria.
According to reports, the footballer was traveling along the Benin Expressway when her vehicle was intercepted by armed men. Witnesses said the attackers blocked the road, forced passengers out of the vehicle, and took Ihotu John Rebecca to an unknown destination. Other travelers were reportedly left behind as the kidnappers fled into nearby bush paths.
Sources close to the victim’s family said the kidnappers later contacted relatives and demanded ₦20 million as ransom for her freedom. The family was said to be in shock over the development and has appealed to security agencies and well-meaning Nigerians to assist in securing her release.
The abduction has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian sports community, particularly among women footballers who have expressed fear and anger over the growing danger faced by athletes traveling across the country for matches and training.
A fellow footballer, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as devastating. “She is a dedicated player and did not deserve this. We are all scared because we use these roads regularly,” she said.
Security sources confirmed that the matter had been reported and that efforts were underway to track the kidnappers and rescue the victim. Police and other security agencies were said to be working with local vigilantes and communities around the expressway to gather intelligence.
A police spokesperson said operations had been intensified along the route and surrounding forests where kidnappers are believed to hide. “We are doing everything possible to ensure her safe rescue. Our teams are already on the ground,” the spokesperson said.
The Benin Expressway has been identified in recent months as one of the routes frequently targeted by criminals due to its long stretches of bush and limited security presence in some areas. Motorists have repeatedly complained about robberies and kidnappings on the road, especially at night and in isolated sections.
Sports administrators and football fans have condemned the kidnapping and called on authorities to treat the case with urgency. They said the safety of athletes should be taken seriously, especially as many players travel by road due to the high cost of air transport.
“This is not just about football. It is about human life,” a sports official said. “If players are not safe, it affects the entire sporting system.”
Family members of Ihotu John Rebecca were said to be appealing for calm while praying for her safe return. They described her as a hardworking young woman whose only aim was to build a career in football and support her family.
Human rights activists have also reacted to the incident, describing it as another sign of the worsening security situation in the country. They urged the government to deploy more security personnel along highways and to use technology such as surveillance drones and tracking systems to monitor criminal hideouts.
The kidnapping has sparked fresh debate on social media, with many Nigerians calling for stronger action against bandits and kidnappers. Some users also criticised the slow pace of highway security patrols, saying criminals continue to operate freely on major roads.
Meanwhile, there has been no official confirmation that any ransom has been paid, and authorities have advised against negotiating with kidnappers, stressing that rescue operations are ongoing.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the footballer remained unknown. Security agencies said they were following leads and would provide updates as the operation progresses.
The abduction of Ihotu John Rebecca has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Nigerians on the highways and the urgent need for improved security infrastructure. For the football community, the focus remains on her safe return and on ensuring that such incidents do not become a recurring threat to athletes and travelers alike.
Residents and motorists have been advised to remain cautious when traveling and to report suspicious movements to security agencies. The nation now waits anxiously for news of the footballer’s release as efforts continue to secure her freedom from captivity.
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