The nephew of the vice-presidential candidate for the coalition of the Esperanza Center Luis Gilberto Murillo was assassinated in Chocó

Violence in the department of Chocó has been exacerbated in 2022, according to government figures so far this year an average of 69 people have been killed. The last recorded homicide was that of Luis Gilberto Murillo's nephew, Sergio Fajardo's vice-presidential formula.

The news was released by the center candidate through his social networks, where he wrote: “We appreciate the expressions of solidarity and condolences for the recent murder of my 18-year-old nephew Carlos Arturo Murillo Guevara. This has been a deeply sad and painful time for our family. I ask for your prayers for Julio, Yineth and their children.”

For now, no details of the death of Carlos Arturo Murillo are known. But other figures in Colombian politics sent a message of solidarity and condolences to the vice-presidential formula of the Centro Esperanza Coalition. One of the first was Juanita Goebertus who said to her: “I'm so sorry Luis Gilberto. Strength for you and your family.”

In the same vein, Carlos Amaya, former governor of Boyacá and member of the Center's campaign team, also spoke: “All our solidarity in the face of such a painful loss, dear @LuisGMurillo. We pray that God will comfort your entire family and bring peace to your hearts at this time. A hug.”

Another of the campaign team that spoke out was Bogota Councilman Julián Rodríguez Sastoque who wrote: “I'm very sorry Luis Gilberto. A hug and a lot of strength for you and your family right now. May their light always accompany them.”

From other political currents, the former candidate to Senator Gilberto Tobón Sanín spoke: “On behalf of many other Colombians, I send you another message of solidarity and my sincere condolences,” said the academic. Like Esteban Santos, the son of former president Juan Manuel Santos, who said: “I'm very sorry @LuisGMurillo. My deepest condolences. Strong hug.”

Three weeks ago, another murder was recorded in the department of Chocó. According to official information, the body of Sarcelino Lana, indigenous governor, was found on the banks of the river Atrato. The events occurred after he was kidnapped by members of the Gulf Clan on March 25, according to a complaint that the community had made at the time of his disappearance.

Lana was the indigenous governor of the Tamandó reservation, in the municipality of Medio Atrato, in the department of Chocó. He was just 29 years old and was the father of three children who are now orphaned. His death is the 48th recorded so far this year, a number that corresponds to the total number of murdered leaders who have been killed by outlawed groups or hit men in the service of other interests. It is the third murder in the last two days, after two people fell in Putumayo, on March 28.

According to an alert issued by the Office of the Ombudsman in Medio Atrato, there are constant events of this kind in the municipality, especially by the Gulf Clan. Threats are in the air every day and the 9000 inhabitants of the municipality no longer find safety in the place. The presence of irregular armed groups has led indigenous organizations to organize themselves to demand a greater presence of the Government in the territory. Thus, the Regional Coordination of the Colombian Pacific expressed itself and rejected these acts. “We call on the National Government to fulfill its obligation to protect the lives of Colombia's indigenous peoples,” he said.

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