Ecuadorian soccer player Jackson Rodríguez faced a terrifying ordeal when his wife and 5-year-old child were kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday. The incident occurred in their home in Guayaquil, where men broke in looking for the Emelec defender. Rodríguez recounted hiding under a bed as he heard the front door being forced open, while the perpetrators took his wife and child after inquiring about his whereabouts.
The kidnapping took place amidst a state of emergency declared by the government in certain areas of the country, including the province of Guayas. This measure was put in place to combat the operations of organized crime groups, which have been blamed for the increasing wave of violence in the region. Insecurity and crime have been ongoing issues in Ecuador for the past four years, with a surge in violent incidents reported earlier this year.
Guayaquil, where the kidnapping occurred, has been identified as one of the most dangerous areas in the country. The city’s port is a hotspot for illegal drug shipments destined for various parts of the world, including Europe, Central America, and the United States. This criminal activity has contributed to the city’s reputation for high crime rates and violence.
Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of a sports personality being targeted in Ecuador. In December 2024, soccer player Pedro Perlaza, who played for Liga de Quito, was also kidnapped in Esmeraldas and later rescued alive after a few days. These incidents highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by athletes and their families in the country.
The safety and well-being of Rodríguez’s wife and child are of utmost importance, and efforts are being made to locate and secure their release. The soccer player’s ordeal serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by organized crime in Ecuador and the need for continued vigilance and security measures to protect individuals and their families.
