The tranquility of an Ecuadorian home was shattered early Wednesday morning when armed men broke into the residence of Jackson Rodríguez, a prominent player for Emelec. The terrifying home invasion resulted in the kidnapping of Rodríguez’s wife and their five-year-old child. Rodríguez himself, a 26-year-old fullback, reportedly hid under a bed during the ordeal, only emerging after the perpetrators had fled the scene with his family. Police Chief Édison Rodríguez confirmed the incident, stating that the kidnapping occurred around 3 a.m. in Guayaquil.
According to police reports, the attackers specifically targeted Rodríguez, questioning his wife about his whereabouts before seizing her and their young child. After the intruders left, Rodríguez observed their getaway vehicle – a gray double-cab pickup truck – from a window. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting the escalating insecurity that has plagued Ecuador in recent years.
This kidnapping comes amidst a state of emergency declared just ten days prior by the Ecuadorian government. The emergency measures, implemented in nine regions including Guayaquil, aim to combat the surge in violence attributed to organized crime groups. The increase in crime is undeniable; official statistics reveal a staggering 2,345 violent deaths in the first three months of the year alone, with Guayaquil accounting for a significant portion of these tragic events.
Guayaquil, a major port city, has become a focal point for drug trafficking, serving as a transit hub for illegal shipments destined for destinations across the globe. This precarious situation has made the city one of the most dangerous in the country, and sadly, it’s not the first time athletes have been targeted. In December 2024, fellow soccer player Pedro Perlaza was also kidnapped in Esmeraldas before being rescued several days later. This latest incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened security measures and a concerted effort to address the root causes of the escalating crime rate in Ecuador.
The nation waits with bated breath for news of the safe return of Rodríguez’s wife and child. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the pervasive insecurity that casts a long shadow over Ecuadorian society, particularly in urban centers like Guayaquil. The authorities are currently conducting a full investigation, pursuing all available leads in hopes of a swift and successful resolution to this heartbreaking case.
