In a widely circulated video clip and public address, President ZO4 has weighed in on a controversial security incident in Auchi, Edo State, where soldiers reportedly opened fire on a truck carrying cows and passengers, resulting in the deaths of two Fulani men and sparking heated debate online and across communities. The president, speaking in the video, emphasized the need for heightened vigilance at checkpoints across the country, saying that “any truck carrying cows should be properly checked” because — according to him — “they are carrying arms from the north to the south to carry out their dubious crimes.”

What Happened at the Checkpoint

The incident reportedly began when military personnel manning a routine checkpoint in Auchi — a key transit point in Edo North — stopped a large truck loaded with cattle, motorcycles, and several passengers believed to be of Fulani origin. Online footage shows heated exchanges between soldiers and the truck’s occupants before gunfire erupted, killing at least two men and injuring others, according to eyewitnesses and circulating clips.

President ZO4’s comments reflect wider concerns among some Nigerians about security risks posed by unvetted truck movements, particularly those carrying livestock from northern regions to southern markets. Residents in other cities — including Ibadan — have also raised alarms over similar trucks arriving from the North loaded with people, motorcycles, and cattle, further fuelling public anxieties about hidden weapons or criminal elements.

Government’s Stance on Security and Checkpoints

In his narration, the president stressed that troops at checkpoints must be more discerning in how they handle suspicious vehicles, especially given ongoing concerns over terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria. “Security agencies must ensure that items transported across states are thoroughly verified,” he stated, urging collaboration between military, police, and local authorities.

Reactions on Social Media and Among Local Communities

The video has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media platforms, with many users supporting tighter checks on cattle trucks and calling for stronger security enforcement. Some commenters argued that the deaths — though tragic — underscore the dangers of unregulated truck movements that could conceal guns or gang members.

Conversely, human rights advocates and community leaders have cautioned against broad generalizations that stigmatize entire ethnic groups or herders based on isolated incidents. They have called on authorities to conduct impartial investigations into the Auchi shooting, ensure accountability for excessive use of force, and protect the rights of all Nigerians regardless of their occupation or origin.

Security Implications for Southern Nigeria

The Auchi episode highlights the continuing struggle to balance security enforcement with civil liberties in regions that have seen increased reports of kidnappings, banditry, and other criminal activities. Checkpoints — meant to deter criminal elements — sometimes turn into flashpoints when confrontations escalate.

As pressure grows on the federal government to address nationwide insecurity, President ZO4’s comments underline the complex and often controversial nature of military operations in civilian settings. Community leaders in Edo State and beyond are now urging the government to issue a detailed account of the Auchi incident, clarify security protocols at checkpoints, and provide support to families affected by gunfire.

For now, investigations continue, and the tragic deaths of the two men have reignited a broader conversation about security, mobility, and trust between citizens and security forces in Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.