Bauchi Residents Concerned Over Steep Increase in Ram and Sheep Prices Ahead of Eid el-Adha

 Residents of Bauchi have voiced their concerns over the significant rise in ram and sheep prices as the Eid el-Adha celebration approaches. Eid el-Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," is a major holiday for Muslims, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) devotion to God. It is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hajj, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. A key ritual of Eid el-Adha is the sacrifice of a ram, sheep, goat, or cow.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), prices have surged by over 100 percent in the past two weeks, despite a low demand for the animals.

A NAN survey at Kasuwan Shanu and railway livestock markets in Bauchi metropolis revealed that traders were experiencing sluggish business. An average ram, previously sold at N80,000, is now priced at N160,000. Similarly, a well-bred bull, which used to cost between N250,000 and N450,000, now sells for between N500,000 and N750,000.

Sheep and goats have also seen price hikes, with medium-sized sheep now selling for N100,000 and N45,000, compared to their previous prices of N60,000 and N25,000, respectively.

Mr. Sani Ayuba, a local resident, accused traders of exploiting buyers by arbitrarily increasing prices to profit from the high demand for sacrificial animals during the festivities. "Traders have jacked up the prices to make a profit, knowing the animals are in high demand for the sacrifices," he said.

Another resident, Ibrahim Usman, expressed his frustration after purchasing a ram for N170,000. "I bought a ram at Kasuwan Shanu for N170,000, which is much higher than the usual price. Traders are taking advantage of the festive period to charge more," he lamented.

However, Musa Zanna, an animal dealer, attributed the price increase to the high cost of transportation and animal feed. He explained that dealers incur significant expenses transporting animals from village markets to the state capital. Despite the current high prices, Zanna remains hopeful that prices will decrease as the supply of animals increases.