Nollywood actor and producer Daniel Etim Effiong has spoken out about the controversy surrounding his Netflix movie,The Herd, following public criticism over its perceived ethnic undertones.
In an interview, Effiong said he was taken aback by the reactions that trailed the film’s teaser, which showed herders crossing a road with cattle—a scene many viewers interpreted as an attack on Fulani communities.
Effiong explained that his goal was to create an “impactful, heartfelt story” that reflects Nigeria’s realities, not one that fuels stereotypes.
“I didn’t anticipate the backlash. I just wanted to tell a heartfelt story. How I know that the story would be heartfelt is that if I’m moved by the telling of the story, then I’m sure someone else will also be moved by it. That was what I went out to do—to tell an impactful story,” he said.
He added that before production began, he held consultations with Fulani people and Muslims to ensure fair representation. The script, written by Lani Aisida, he noted, was not intended to target any ethnic or religious group.
The film’s release generated mixed reactions from viewers. Some northern audiences criticised it for allegedly linking Hausa and Fulani-speaking characters to banditry, portraying Igbos as selfish, depicting churches as complicit in crime, and presenting the police as lazy.
Also Read:Yakubu defeats Rita Daniels for AGN top seat
Others praised it for boldly confronting issues of insecurity, ransom demands and corruption that have plagued the country.
Dr. Shaibu Husseni, Chief Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board,NFVCB, clarified that The Herd was classified as a work of fiction.
He said the board instructed the filmmakers to include a disclaimer stating that all characters, languages and events depicted are not based on real persons or groups.
Husseni added that the NFVCB continues to balance creative freedom with social responsibility and will provide further guidance to filmmakers to help prevent negative stereotyping in future productions.
Writer Lani Aisida maintained that once a film is released, audiences are free to interpret it in their own ways, but urged viewers to watch the full movie before forming conclusions.
Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong and featuring Nancy Isime and Bimbo Ademoye, The Herd was released this year to shed light on Nigeria’s struggle with insecurity, ransom payments, and corruption.
Vanguard News
