Actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his Netflix film The Herd, following intense reactions online over its portrayal of insecurity in Nigeria.
The Nigerian crime thriller, which recently landed on Netflix after its cinema run, sparked debate shortly after its teaser dropped. Viewers reacted strongly to scenes showing armed men posing as herders, with some critics accusing the film of stereotyping specific ethnic and religious groups.
Speaking on the backlash, Daniel made it clear that the intention behind The Herd was never to attack or label any community.
“I didn’t anticipate the backlash. I just wanted to tell a heartfelt story,” he said. “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 that someone else will also be moved by it. That was what I went out to do, to tell an impactful story.”
According to the actor-director, the project went through careful research and consultations before production began. He revealed that Fulani representatives and Muslims were consulted during the development stage to ensure sensitivity and balance.
Daniel also credited the film’s writer, Lani Aisida, for taking a research-driven approach to the script, stressing that the story was not designed to single out any group but to reflect harsh realities many Nigerians are familiar with.
The Herd marks Daniel Etim-Effiong’s feature-length directorial debut. The film was released in cinemas on October 17 before arriving on Netflix on November 21, where it quickly became a talking point.
The story follows a group of friends whose wedding trip turns into a nightmare after their convoy is attacked. As they fight to survive, the film explores themes of fear, betrayal, ransom negotiations, moral choices, and the emotional toll of insecurity.
The ensemble cast includes Kunle Remi, Genoveva Umeh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Linda Ejiofor, Mercy Aigbe, Norbert Young, Adam Garba, Abba Ali Zaky, alongside Daniel Etim-Effiong himself.
Since its release, The Herd has divided opinions. While some viewers have called for the film’s removal from Netflix, others have defended it as a bold and honest portrayal of Nigeria’s security challenges, arguing that uncomfortable stories still deserve to be told.