NWFL Star Ihotu John Rebecca Kidnapped on Benin Expressway: Family Appeals for N20m Ransom as Oyo Govt Launches Probe
A young Nigerian female footballer, Ihotu John Rebecca, has been abducted by unknown gunmen along the Benin Expressway, sending shockwaves through the country's women's football scene. Ihotu, who plays as a midfielder for Pacesetter Queens FC in the Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) Premiership, was reportedly kidnapped last Friday while traveling home following the conclusion of the first half of the league season. The club had released her and several other players for a break. Her abductors have demanded a ransom of ₦20 million (approximately $12,000–$13,000 USD, depending on exchange rates) for her safe release. The family, led by her mother Blessing John, learned of the incident when a stranger answered the player's phone. They have publicly appealed for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians, government officials, and the football community to help raise the funds or secure her freedom. The Oyo State Government, where Pacesetter Queens FC is based in Ibadan,...