Nsukka, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s security problems did not start today, but the recent attacks on several states like Kebbi, Kwara and Niger have triggered a nationwide awakening mixed with panic and uncertainty.
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The Herd, a recently released movie from Netflix, which illustrates the appalling level of insecurity in Nigeria, has garnered extensive comments, views and reviews from concerned citizens.
Released November 21, The Herd was directed by Daniel Etim Effiong. It featured popular actors Daniel Etim Effiong (who stars as Gosi), Genoveva Umeh (Derin), Kunle Remi (Fola), Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman (Adamma), Deyemi Okanlawon, and Tina Mba.
In the opening scene, a wedding celebration is taking place in a southwestern state, and the newlywed couple, Fola and Derin, and their party embark on a road trip, which is suddenly and violently interrupted by an ambush. Gunmen disguised as cattle herders take them hostage.
While trying to evade the gunmen, Fola is shot dead. His bride, Derin, his best man Gosi, and others on the road at the time of the attack were abducted. The killers hold them hostage and demand huge ransoms from their families.
Through the aid of the police, Gosi and Derin are freed from their abductors and are reunited with their families.
Truth be told, this movie is not one of those unrealistic Nollywood productions. It shows the sad reality Nigerians struggle with every day.
Parents are now afraid of sending their kids to school for the fear of abduction and citizens are afraid to travel long distances by road because of bandits who ambush vehicles on the highway, just as we saw in the movie.
Farmers are left devastated because these terrorists who sometimes pose as herdsmen allow their cattle to trespass on farms and destroy months of hard work in rural farmlands.
The big question on the minds of Nigerians who have taken to various social media platforms to air their views is to ask how we got here as a country and what is the way forward.
Chibuike Chukwuka is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
