Some people in Nigeria want Netflix to remove the movie The Herd. They say it shows Fulani herders in a bad way and hurts ethnic and religious feelings. However, many other Nigerians do not want the movie banned. They say it tells the true story of what happens in the country.
Well-known journalist Oseni Rufai wrote, “The Herd is a movie that speaks about Nigeria.” Film maker Sunday Oladipupo said, “The movie The Herd is like mud thrown with a stick. If it hits you, do not be angry. It is a movie that shows the real life in our country. No tribe should feel bad when people tell their story.”
Directed by Daniel Etim Effiong and starring actors like Nancy Isime and Bimbo Ademoye, the film aims to shine a light on Nigeria’s ongoing battles with insecurity, ransom demands, and corruption. While some praise its stunning visuals and gripping action scenes, many viewers say it crosses a dangerous line by pushing harmful stereotypes about ethnic groups and religions.
The backlash exploded right after Netflix Nigeria shared a teaser clip showing herders crossing a road with cattle, which many saw as a direct jab at Fulani communities. Northern Nigerians, especially from the Arewa region, have flooded social media with calls to ban the movie, boycott Netflix, and even delete the app from phones.
One popular post by X user fulani_tutor urged Muslims to steer clear, saying the film has no place in their lives because it paints a negative picture of their faith. This sentiment has spread fast, with hashtags like #BanNetflix and #BanTheHerd trending in Nigeria.
Critics argue the story wrongly links Hausas and Fulanis to banditry by making the kidnappers speak in Hausa and Yoruba, while showing Igbos as selfish and naive victims. They also point out how the Herd film depicts churches as helpers in the crime and police as lazy and useless, which fuels division along ethnic and religious lines.
Social media influencer Daniel Regha added fuel to the fire with a detailed takedown of the movie. He called it a weak try at capturing Nigeria’s tough realities, giving it just a 2 out of 10 score. Regha said the plot is full of holes, like a ransom drop that happens in the wrong state and bandits who seem too smart and kind for real life.
He slammed the ending for leaving big questions unanswered, such as what happens to other kidnapped people or if the main character faces punishment for stealing from his job. Regha felt the Herd film misses a chance to teach real lessons about the country’s problems and instead spreads bad images of everyone involved.
Nigerians reject call for the Ban
Temitayo Ojo said, “The film speaks loud and touches every tribe through its characters.” He told the North, “When Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced, films about the South East stopped. The North should also clean its house so that peace will come and people will stop using the North as an example in movies. Please watch the full film with an open mind. The North should talk among themselves so that everyone will not blame them.”
Film maker Humphrey Moses said, “Movies help us tell stories and make people aware. I make movies too. The best way to teach this generation is through films and content. Some things cannot be hidden. People must know what is happening around them.”
Many people now say the movie should not be banned. They want Nigerians to face the hard truths about terrorism, tribal fights, and violence in different parts of the country. The Herd is still on Netflix. Calls to ban it are becoming weaker because more people support freedom to tell stories and speak about real problems.
