ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Residents of Dutse in Jigawa State have expressed concern over the sharp increase in the prices of rams and other sacrificial animals ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, saying the trend may prevent many families from observing the tradition.
A visit by the News Agency of Nigeria to the Dutse cattle market showed that livestock prices had risen by more than 300 per cent compared to the previous season.
A big-sized ram was reportedly sold for N500,000, while a well-bred bull went for as high as N1 million, against previous prices of about N130,000 and N400,000 respectively.
Traders attributed the sudden increase to the high cost of animal feeds and livestock maintenance.
One of the traders, Malam Musa Ayuba, said rising feed and medication costs had made animal rearing increasingly difficult.
READ ALSO FG Declares Wednesday, Thursday As Eid-El-Kabir Holidays
“Animal feed is extremely expensive, resulting in soaring livestock prices,” he said.
Some residents who spoke at the market lamented that the situation had made it difficult for many households to afford sacrificial animals this year.
Alhaji Abubakar Jamilu said the prices were beyond the reach of most families.
“Animals are costly for sacrifice now. Many people cannot afford it like before,” he said.
Another resident, Umar Abdu, described the situation as unbearable, adding that many families were now exploring alternative ways to cope.
Ishak Ibrahim said he would resort to buying chickens to celebrate the festival with his family.
“I cannot afford to buy a ram. I joined a contribution group to buy a cow and share the meat,” he said.
Similarly, Nuhu Iliyasu said he had joined others in a contribution arrangement to purchase a cow, which would be shared among participants.
He noted that collective contribution had become a survival option for low-income earners ahead of the festive period.