Former Special Assistant on Digital Communications to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has voiced concerns over the portrayal of Fulani herders in the Nollywood thriller The Herd, citing fears of stereotyping and misrepresentation.

Ahmad, speaking on Saturday via X, said northern viewers are alarmed by the film’s depiction of herders, noting that while banditry is real, the movie frames an entire community in a negative light.

“The teaser shows Fulani herders crossing the road with their cattle, while a newlywed couple and other travelers drive by. Suddenly, the herdsmen pull out guns, shoot indiscriminately, and kidnap everyone,” Ahmad wrote. “This single scene paints a picture that is dangerously inaccurate.”

He stressed that while some bandits are Fulani, the majority of herders are peaceful and have themselves suffered from criminal attacks.

“The truth is verifiable: some bandits terrorizing communities are Fulani, and we have consistently called them out. Yet, the overwhelming majority of Fulani herders are innocent and among the victims of these terrorists,” Ahmad said.

Ahmad warned that one-dimensional portrayals risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and creating global misconceptions about Fulani communities, potentially leading to stigma and harassment.

He also advised filmmakers to consult security experts, victims, researchers, and pastoralist representatives to accurately capture complex national issues. Ahmad suggested that the Nigerian Film Corporation, led by actor Ali Nuhu, should have provided guidance to prevent damaging depictions.

“In the end, all we are saying is simple: tell the story, condemn the criminals, call out the terrorists, but do not cast suspicion over millions of innocent herders who have nothing to do with these atrocities,” he said.