Eliecid Ávila, a council member of Tuluá, a municipality in the southwestern Colombian department of Valle del Cauca, died early on Tuesday after being attacked. The incident occurred a few hours after he had participated in the local council session for a third time, marking a highly unusual and tragic moment for the town.
The director of the institution confirmed the news, saying, “We regret to inform you that Council Member Eliecid has passed away. Police investigations, supported by an intelligence team, are underway. Authorities have already identified the person responsible for the murder.” General William Salamanca told reporters.
Officials indicated that the suspect appears to be a small-statured individual, described as someone who has fallen under criminal influence in Tuluá, according to the commander’s briefing.
The fatal confrontation occurred in a city that lies at the heart of the Valle del Cauca region. Ávila had been celebrating the new year with family in front of his brother’s house when the shooting occurred.
“Two people approached the location and opened fire on the council member without issuing a single word,” stated Colonel Oleskyenio Flórez, the Valle del Cauca Police Commander, during a Monday briefing.
Despite being transported to one of the city’s clinics, Ávila did not survive the injuries sustained in the attack, and the authorities confirmed his death on Tuesday.
Independent analyses from the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (Indepaz) note that a faction linked to the Central General Staff (Fuerzas Revolucionarias de Colombia, EMC), historically one of the main opponents of the former FARC, maintains operations in Tuluá. Local law enforcement also points to La Oficina, the city’s largest criminal organization, along with other local gangs, as part of the broader crime dynamic in the area.
The investigation is expected to focus on the intricate web of local criminal groups and their influence on municipal governance, with authorities promising a thorough inquiry to determine motives and connections that may have driven the attack. Community leaders and residents have expressed shock and concern about public safety and the wellbeing of local officials in the wake of the incident.
Observers emphasize the broader implications for regional security, urging enhanced coordination among police, intelligence services, and community organizations to prevent further violence. The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities facing local councils and the potential threats faced by public servants in regions with pronounced organized crime activity. Authorities have called on residents to remain calm while investigation efforts continue and to share any information that might aid investigators in tracing the sequence of events and identifying other individuals involved in the incident.
Eliecid Ávila was a member of the Conservative Party and was known for his active participation in municipal affairs. His passing is a significant blow to the community, and it has sparked a period of mourning among neighbors, colleagues, and family members who had stood by him during his public service. The city now faces questions about future safety measures for council members and how the municipality will navigate the challenges posed by criminal networks that may seek to influence local governance and political life.
As authorities pursue leads and work to establish a clear timeline of events, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks that some public servants face and the ongoing struggle to restore trust and safety in communities affected by persistent criminal activity. The investigation continues as police and the intelligence unit coordinate to uncover the full extent of the incident and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice, while the city of Tuluá mourns a councilor who dedicated himself to serving his town.