Why Nigerians Are Calling Out “The Herd” Movie for Dangerous Stereotyping
The Herd hasn’t even premiered fully, yet it’s already one of the most controversial movies in Nigeria right now. And the anger — especially from many Arewa voices — isn’t because people want to deny the reality of banditry.
It’s because the movie appears to profile an entire ethnic group, and that has dangerous consequences.
🎥 The Scene That Sparked the Outrage
In the Netflix teaser, Fulani herders are seen walking with their cattle. A couple and other travellers drive past, minding their business.
Then suddenly — BOOM.
Guns appear.
Shots ring out.
Everyone is kidnapped.
That one scene implies something very damaging:
➡️ That typical Fulani herders are armed criminals waiting to strike.
🔥 But the Truth Is More Complicated
Yes, it’s true that some bandits in certain regions are Fulani — and people from the North have openly acknowledged this for years.
But here’s what the movie completely ignores:
Most Fulani herders are innocent.
Many are victims of the same terror groups — losing cattle, land, loved ones, and entire livelihoods.
So when a global platform like Netflix shows a one-sided narrative, millions around the world walk away thinking:
“Every Fulani herder is a terrorist.”
That’s not storytelling — that’s stereotyping.
🌍 Why This Kind of Portrayal Is Dangerous
Film is powerful.
Movies shape global perception.
They influence how people think about Nigerian communities — especially groups the world doesn’t fully understand.
Instead of portraying the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity issues, The Herd reduces it to a single harmful stereotype.
This fuels:
🔥 Fear
🔥 Suspicion
🔥 Discrimination
🔥 And division in a country already struggling with unity
📌 What the Producers Should Have Done
Before touching such a sensitive issue, proper research was necessary:
- Speak to victims
- Interview security experts
- Study the roots of banditry
- Engage pastoralist associations
- Understand how innocent herders also suffer
Instead, the teaser leans heavily on shock value — not accuracy.
🎬 Why Regulators Need to Step Up
Many Nigerians believe bodies like Ali Nuhu’s Nigerian Film Corporation must guide filmmakers away from dangerous portrayals that can stigmatize whole tribes and regions.
💬 Final Takeaway
Nigeria is fighting a tough and complicated security battle.
We can call out criminals without painting millions of innocent people as villains.
Tell the story.
Expose the terrorists.
But don’t stereotype those who have nothing to do with the crimes.
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