The cost of rams ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Kaduna State has sparked concern among Muslim faithful, with some lamenting the steep rise in prices compared to previous years. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), residents have observed significant increases in the prices of rams and other sacrificial animals compared to 2023.
Yahya Zakari, a resident at the Zango animal market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, expressed his disappointment over the soaring prices. He mentioned that last year, he could purchase two rams for himself and his father for a total of ₦75,000, but this year, due to the price hike, he can only afford one ram, priced at ₦130,000.
Similarly, Usman Muhammad, a civil servant, stated that he would not be able to afford a ram this year due to other financial obligations. He expressed hope that prices would become more affordable in the future.
Conversely, Mohammad Tijjani opted to purchase his ram from his village in Adamawa State, where prices were comparatively lower.
Ram vendors like Sulaiman Umar defended the pricing, indicating that rams were available across different price ranges to accommodate various budgets. Umar encouraged prospective buyers to visit the market personally rather than relying solely on hearsay about prices.
In one instance highlighted by the report, a ram was priced at an astonishing ₦1.5 million at the Zango animal market, although a potential buyer attempted to negotiate it down to ₦1.2 million without success.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, marked by the sacrifice of animals in commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God, traditionally sees increased demand for livestock, particularly rams. However, the sharp rise in prices this year has posed financial challenges for some residents in Kaduna State, prompting adjustments in their purchasing plans.