A shooting incident at a nightclub in Ecuador has resulted in the deaths of eight people, with three others sustaining injuries, as reported by the police. The authorities were notified early Sunday morning at the Santa Lucía property, where they discovered seven individuals already deceased following an assault by armed individuals. An eighth person tragically passed away in the hospital. The motive behind the shooting remains uncertain.
Santa Lucía, a small town in the coastal province of Guayas, is among the four provinces presently under a state of emergency as part of an effort to combat gang violence. Notably, the nightclub’s owner, who was the brother of Santa Lucía’s mayor Ubaldo Urquizo, was among the deceased, according to AFP news agency and local media. The local government’s Facebook page extended condolences to the mayor, expressing solidarity and prayers for strength and comfort during this difficult period.
This incident follows a series of violent attacks in Guayas. On 19th July, nine individuals were shot and killed in a pool hall, while 17 people lost their lives in a bar on 27th July. Despite President Daniel Noboa declaring war on gang crime in January 2024 and deploying an increased military presence, violence persists. Official figures indicate that 4,051 homicides were recorded between January and May 2025. Additionally, the country serves as a transit point for 70 percent of the world’s cocaine, according to government data.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czr66pj1k72o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
