On Tuesday morning, February 24, in La Concordia, province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, a teacher named Diana Alcívar Córdova was shot dead just as she was arriving at her educational institution. The attack occurred around 8:00 AM near the entrance of the school located at the intersection of Crisanto Vera and José Mejía, a place bustling with students and parents at the time. The incident has shocked the local community, especially given its public nature where many witnessed the violent act.

Diana had been working at the educational institution for about a year and had recently obtained her permanent appointment. Along with her family and colleagues, the news of her death has sparked concerns over the safety of educators in the region. This shooting represents not just a personal tragedy for Diana’s loved ones but also raises alarms about the broader trends of violence in Ecuador, particularly affecting public sectors like education.

In the wake of the incident, authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The body of the victim was taken by legal medicine personnel, highlighting the need for urgent action concerning safety and security for teachers and students in the area. Community discussions are inevitable, focusing on the steps that need to be taken to protect educational environments from violence.