Some Bauchi locals have raised concerns about an increase in ram and sheep prices ahead of the Eid al-Adha festivity.
Eid el-Adha, also known as Eid el-Kabir or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is a prominent Muslim holiday commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) dedication to God.
It is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hajj (the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar).
One of the most important ceremonies of Eid el-Adha is the sacrifice of a ram, sheep, goat, or cow.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, rates for the animals have increased by more than 100% in the last two weeks due to poor demand.
A NAN inspection of the Kasuwan Shanu and railway cattle markets in Bauchi revealed that vendors were experiencing low business.
An average ram sold for N160,000, up from N80,000 previously.
A well-bred bull sold for between N500,000 and N750,000, compared to between N250,000 and N450,000 in previous weeks.
Similarly, prices for sheep and goats increased, with a medium-sized sheep selling for N100,000 and N45,000, respectively, compared to N60,000 and N25,000.
Mr Sani Ayuba, a resident, criticised retailers for unilaterally raising prices to exploit buyers.
He claimed that the sellers raised the prices to earn a profit because the animals were in high demand for sacrifice during the festivities.
Another homeowner, Ibrahim Usman, who purchased a ram for N170,000, complained about the market’s excessive costs.
“I bought a ram at the Kasuwan Shanu at N170,000. This is much higher than the usual price.
“Traders are taking advantage of the festive period to get more money from people needing the animals for sacrifice,” he said.
Musa Zanna, an animal dealer, ascribed the price increase to the high cost of transportation and animal feed.
He claimed that animal merchants spend a lot of money bringing animals from village markets to the state capital.
Zanna expressed optimism that prices would fall more as the availability of animals increased.
NAN
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