Nigerians have condemned calls for the ban of Nollywood satirical movie, The Herd.
Produced by Nollywood actor Daniel Etim Effiong, the satirical movie espouses the ills in the society, perpetrated by suspected armed terrorist groups like the Fulani militias, Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP, among others.
The satirical movie, which is available for the viewing of all and sundry on Netflix, has stirred controversy, with some section of the country, clamoring for its ban.
With some ethnic nationality arguing that the movie paints their ethnic group in a negative light, some Nigerians aggrieved by the storyline of the movie, urged authorities to ban the movie.
Speaking on the movie after seeing the trailer, Bashir Ahmed, a former aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has joined the call for the ban of The Herd movie.
In a lengthy statement on X on Saturday, Ahmed condemned the alleged portraying of the Fulani as terrorist in the movie.
Arguing that it is ”dangerously inaccurate,” Ahmed noted that the activities of bandits in the country, should not lead to the stereotyping of the Fulani as terrorists.
Ahmed’s statement reads, ”The reason why some Arewa people are angry about The Herd movie is not because we are denying the reality of banditry, far from it.
”It is about the dangerous consequences of profiling an entire ethnic group and region that has already suffered immensely from years of insecurity.
”I watched the teaser on Netflix, and even though I haven’t watched the full movie yet, the one clear problem that stands out is stereotyping.
”In the teaser, Fulani herders are shown crossing the road with their cattle, while a newlywed couple inside a car and other travelers drive by, then suddenly the herdsmen pull out guns, start shooting indiscriminately and kidnap everyone.
”This single scene paints a picture that is actually facile as it is dangerously inaccurate.
”The truth is this, it is true and verifiable that some of the bandits terrorizing innocent people and our communities are Fulani.
”We have consistently and openly acknowledged that, called them out, condemned their atrocities and demanded that authorities deal with them mercilessly.
”Yet the overwhelming majority of Fulani herders are innocent and also among the very victims that have suffered the most from these terrorists.
”Many have lost their cattle, their livelihoods and their families. So producing a movie to profile them all as armed kidnappers only reinforces a harmful stereotype that fuels suspicion, resentment and even violence against innocent people.
”Film and media carry immense influence, they shape global perceptions and frame narratives, especially about communities that are poorly understood outside their regions.
”Instead of the producers of The Herd helping the world understand the complexity of Nigeria’s insecurity, the movie falls into the trap of blanket judgment.
”When such an international movie, portrays a one-dimensional story, millions of viewers around the world walk away believing that every Fulani herder is a terrorist and that is how stigma is created.
”That is how innocent people become targets of discrimination and harassment.
”Before producing a film that touches on such a sensitive and complex national issue, the producers should have done intensive field work by engaging stakeholders, security experts, victims, researchers and even representatives of pastoralist groups to help them capture the full picture of the situation.
”I believe Ali Nuhu Mohammed’s Nigerian Film Corporation should have given proper guidance to prevent such damaging portrayals.
”In the end, all we are saying is simple, tell the story. Condemn the criminals. Call out the terrorists. But do not cast a shadow of suspicion over millions of innocent herders who have nothing to do with these atrocities.
”Our country is dealing with a complex security challenge and the last thing we need is media content that deepens stereotypes and fuels more division. The producers should have known better.”
In reaction to Ahmed’s statement, several Nigerians came to the defense of The Herd movie, saying that the fictional movie, exposes the realities in Nigeria at the moment.
In several statements on Facebook, Nigerians just like Levi Terna, argued that ”Contrary to this argument, ‘The Herd’ is not profiling an entire ethnic group it is simply portraying a reality Nigerians are living with every day.
”We cannot keep pretending that movies must hide the truth just because it makes some people uncomfortable.
”The insecurity we face has faces, methods and patterns, and filmmakers have every right to highlight them.”
He added that, ”A story about kidnapping is not an attack on all Fulani people. It is a reflection of real events happening on our roads. No one says every herder is guilty but it is also wrong to silence creatives because they depicted what people actually see and experience.
”If we want to fix Nigeria, we must stop protecting “image” more than human lives. Instead of focusing on how the world might perceive us, we should focus on stopping the criminals who created this problem in the first place.
”Art should spark conversation, not be gagged by fear of offending those who prefer denial.
”The producers didn’t stereotype they told a truth many Nigerians know too well. And sometimes, truth is uncomfortable.”
Sharing similar sentiments, Lamidi Kazeem, stated, ”You need to watch the full movie to have clear background about movie and message the writer want to pass across.
”North as region need to come boldly to go against the banditry because they are more victims. North are not doing enough to help themselves. Among them are the informant to bandit. May almighty Allah put an end to this problem and destroy those behind it.”
For Muhammed Musa, he said, ”I watched the Herd last night, it’s a movie that portrays the cracks in our diverse society.
”Just like it showed the Kidnappers as Fulani, it shows the Human part dealers as Yoruba’s and Pastors and concluded with heavily tribal Ibos refusing to accept their only son for marrying an outcast.
”To me, the movie is well balanced, aren’t Fulani herders? It’s also proven that most of these bandits and kidnappers especially in the North are Fulani.
”The movie is about the other side of our world. We all have the good, the bad and the ugly among us. Daniel Etim kudos to you.”
Jimea Gokpa argued that ”Somalians do not “cry” when the havoc caused by Somalians pirates is portrayed in movies. This helps to “bring to light” the real challenges associated with these events. Most scripts even help proffer possible solutions in such movies.”
For Tajudeen Nuhu, he said, ”It’s well-balanced movie, and I love every bit of it. I think the earlier we identify the aggressors in our midst and call them for what they are the better for us.
”Fulani herders whether we like it or not for probably being connected to them constitutes 99% percent of our insecurity in the north, so I don’t see any reason why you will be angry because an outsiders have portrayed them for what they are.”
Below are more reactions by Nigerians arguing against the ban of The Herd movie:
Serlem Absuf, ”Watch the movie first before you run to media and criticise it. You’re just judging from the trailer, watch the movie and see the message he pass.”
Naa Drodjor, ”Aside the stereotypes, is what is the movie a lie? Is that not reality? Let’s not play the Religion and Ethnic card when lives are being lost. The fact that is hasn’t happened close to you doesn’t mean others are not loosing their love one.”
Abubaqar Umar, ”I do not see any stereotyping in this movie. I have just watched it like 5minutes ago. The accomplices included a lot of tribes and religions. The movie is excellent.”
Timothy Jeremiah, ”This is not about stereotyping a particular set of people. It is the reality on ground. You can’t shy away from the truth. Who are responsible for the killings in the north? Is it not Fulani? Call your Fulani brothers to other and stop this nonsense.”
Humphrey Moses, ”Movies is a means of telling stories and to create awareness..
”I’m a movie maker and the best way to pass a message across to this generation is through movies or content creation.
”There are information that cannot be swept under d carpet. People got to be conscious of their environment.”
Evidence Beke, ”It is this attempt to paper reality that is more dangerous. Did the scene depict reality? I think the answer is yes.
”The scene shows the couple and all other road users at ease when the herdsmen were first seen with their cattle. Don’t you think that depicts cattle grazing is normal? It also shows the herders suddenly turn into murderers and kidnappers. If this is not the reality on ground, then what is, pray tell.”
Sunday Oladipupo, ”The movie, ‘The Herd,’ is a mud that is struck with a rod, if it hits you, don’t be angry. It’s a movie that mirrors the realities in our diverse society. No tribe should take offense in people telling their stories.”
Temitayo Ojo, ”The film speaks volume and cut across every tribes according to the characters.
”South East film was put to rest when MNK was sentenced and North should also do a general house cleaning for peace to reign all over Nigeria, so that they will not be use as a film case-study again.”
”Endeavour to watch the film fully with an open mind. North in general should talk to themselves so as to avoid being tagged by all and sundry.”
