The Herd (2025 film)
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| Country | Nigeria |
| Languages | English, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Nigeria Pidgin |
The Herd is a 2025 Nigerian crime thriller directed by Daniel Etim-Effiong and co-produced by FilmOne Studios, ToriTori Films, Serendipity HHC, and Airscape. The film marks Daniel Etim-Effiong's directorial debut.[1] It was released theatrically on 17 October 2025 and stars Etim-Effiong, Kunle Remi, Genoveva Umeh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Linda Ejiofor, Mercy Aigbe, Adam Garba, Abba Ali Zaky, Norbert Young and others.[2] The film revolves around kidnapping by herdsmen and it generated reactions and grievances from the Arewa community, emphasizing that it creates a stereotype against the Muslim community.[3] Director Etim-Effiong has described the film as a personal and professional milestone for him.[4]
Plot summary
The Herd opens with a happy day, the wedding of Fola and Derin. After the wedding party, they were headed home, driven by Gosi, Fola's best friend, when they were attacked by kidnappers disguised as herders. The groom was murdered on the spot while he attempted to run away, leaving his newlywed wife, Gosi and other victims.[5] The kidnapping caused a strong fight for survival among the victims, while different levels of betrayal were also displayed among the kidnappers leading to violence and compromise.[3]
Selected cast
- Daniel Etim-Effiong as Gosi
- Kunle Remi as Fola
- Genoveva Umeh as Derin
- Mercy Aigbe as Derin's mother
- Deyemi Okanlawon
- Linda Ejiofor as Adama
- Ibrahim Abubakar as Yakubu
- Adam Garba
- Abba Ali Zaky as Halil
- Amal Umar as Habiba
Production and release
The film which was released theatrically on 17 October 2025, made ₦30.1 million in the opening weekend.[7]
References
- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (21 October 2025). "Daniel Etim-Effiong's "The Herd" grosses N30.1 million in box office debut". Nairametrics. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ Moyinoluwa, Azeez (25 November 2025). "'The Herd' movie spotlights Nigeria's highway terrors amid ethnic backlash". Businessday NG. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ a b "'The Herd' Didn't Invent Insecurity, Why Are We Upset About It?". Pulse Nigeria. 24 November 2025. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ Encomium (16 October 2025). "Daniel Etim-Effiong's Directorial Debut The Herd Set to Hit Cinemas Nationwide". Encomium. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ Adigun, Bashir (22 November 2025). "'The Herd': A brutal, brilliant mirror to Nigeria's banditry nightmare". TheCable. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ Muna, Emmanuel (25 November 2025). "Meet Ibrahim Abubakar, Amal Umar, Abba Ali Zaky; breakout stars of 'The Herd'". Premium Times. ISSN 2360-7688. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ^ Dan-Awoh, Deborah (21 October 2025). "Daniel Etim-Effiong's "The Herd" grosses N30.1 million in box office debut". Nairametrics. Retrieved 28 November 2025.