In late January and early February 2026, multiple acts of violence involving motorcycle taxi drivers and attacks by hitmen, publicized on social media, were reported in Tumbes.
A new act of violence shook the border district of Aguas Verdes in Tumbes. José Miguel Jara Ventura, a young motorcycle taxi driver, was shot and killed in the Nueva Esperanza sector while inside his vehicle.
According to initial investigations, the motive appears to be territorial disputes related to drug trafficking.
Most alarming is that the hitmen recorded themselves approaching their victim, opening the door of the motorcycle taxi, and shooting him at point-blank range.
During the attack, the motorcycle taxi driver managed to dodge the bullets and get out of the vehicle, but was caught by the assailant who finished him off with a shot to the head.
After the attack, the perpetrators fled the scene. Neighbors and the victim's mother rushed to her aid, but were unable to do anything.
Hours later, one of those involved posted the video and a threatening message on social media, warning of reprisals against anyone selling drugs for other organizations. This reinforces the hypothesis of a power struggle between criminal gangs for control of micro-trafficking in the border region.
It should be noted that, in response to this wave of murders in Tumbes, Regional Governor Segismundo Cruces announced that he will request the deployment of more police officers to combat these criminal gangs.
