Daniel Etim Effiong’s directorial debut, The Herd, premiered on Netflix across Africa on November 21, 2025, just as fresh reports emerged of deadly kidnappings in Kaduna and Nasarawa states.
The film, which has grossed over ₦180 million in Nigerian cinemas since its October 17 release, depicts a wedding party ambushed and abducted by gunmen disguised as cattle herders, turning celebration into a brutal fight for survival.
Starring Genoveva Umeh, Deyemi Okanlawon, and Kunle Remi, the tense thriller has been hailed as a raw portrayal of Nigeria’s insecurity. Umeh has described it as “a plea for safety and justice,” emphasizing the victims’ trauma. Effiong defends the story, urging critics: “Watch first and discuss with facts,” insisting it reflects real fears without blanket ethnic blame.
The timing has ignited polarized reactions on X. Supporters praise its realism: @JemimaOsunde tweeted, “Absolute perfect timing cause when I watched this movie I felt so many things mahn.”
“@Simply_moyor tweeted,‘I just finished watching the herd on Netflix!!! The movie is a solid 10/10 !!! Daniel Etim sure outdid himself, what a brilliant story 🤯🤯🤯.. One of the best nollywood movies !’”
Critics, however, accuse it of ethnic profiling Fulani herders. One user, @Fulani_Tutor, called for a boycott: “Ban Netflix. Ban the herd. Delete Netflix in your phone. As a Muslim you have no business with this movie.”
Others highlighted double standards: “@oluwakso posted, ‘How many Hollywood and Netflix movies portray Muslims as terrorists? Hundreds… But one movie called “The Herd” now shows Fulani herdsmen doing exactly what happens in real life… We see the double standard.’
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