Cuadorian Footballer Criticized For Hiding During Violent Home Invasion That Led To Kidnapping Of His Wife And Son

Ecuadorian footballer Jackson Rodriguez is facing criticism after an alarming incident on the night of April 23, when masked intruders kidnapped his wife and five-year-old son. The Emelec star revealed that he was forced to hide under his bed, listening in horror as the gang ransacked his home at around 3 a.m.

The men reportedly targeted Rodriguez as part of the escalating violence and criminal activity from organized crime groups in Ecuador. Police confirmed that the intruders broke down Rodriguez’s front door, asking if the defender was present before abducting his family.

Rodriguez has since pleaded for the safe return of his loved ones amid the growing concerns over the safety of citizens in the country.

Rodriguez described a tense moment when he looked out of his window and saw a “gray-colored double-cab pickup truck” parked ominously nearby. This incident comes just days after Ecuador declared a state of emergency in several provinces, including Quito, ahead of the crucial presidential run-off election.

Rodriguez resides in Guayaquil, particularly in the Mucho Lote 2 neighborhood, which has been severely impacted by the escalating violence. Only a month ago, 22 individuals were killed during a violent shootout in Guayaquil’s northern Nueva Prosperina area, as members of the notorious Los Tiguerones gang targeted a rival group.

Ecuador’s re-elected President Daniel Noboa has pledged to intensify efforts to combat the criminal organizations wreaking havoc across the country.