Muslims are preparing for celebrations across the country and the prices of rams, foodstuffs and other essential commodities have suddenly gone up.
Muslims are getting ready for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, which involve animal sacrifices as part of the religious rites.
In Kaduna State, however, many markets visited during the survey revealed that there were many rams, goats and chickens on sale, but prices had gone up beyond expectations. But the price of these animals varies according to size and many prospective buyers complained of the hike in prices.
For example, rams in some markets like the Central Market go for between N300,000 and N1 million depending on their sizes.
Even if Muslims use chickens at times when they are not able to afford to buy rams, the price of chickens has also increased a little. 3 months old chicken now go for between N20,000 and N30,000 while a bag of rice hit N80,000 as of Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
In an interview, Alhaji Bulama, Senior Manager, Rams Sellers Association, said the prices went up as a result of lack of rams and insecurity that has rendered many families homeless across the country.
Many families, especially those who keep animals in local villages, have fled their homes due to attacks by the insurgents. They don’t keep animals anymore. Only a few people are keeping animals now. “Again, the cost of feeding these animals is extremely high,” he said.
Also, a seller of various animals at Television Market, Mallam Musa Adamu said the price of transporting the animals is very high and this has necessitated the rise in prices.
“It has continued in the Northern region because of insecurity and residents can not rear household animals. So we buy these animals and carry them from far distances. They are expensive because the transportation cost is added to the selling price,” he said.
But Dr Musa who has vowed to slaughter a ram this season said he would buy one at whatever cost. “As Muslims, slaughtering an animal is a necessity, though not compulsory. It depends how big your pocket is,” he said.
I have resolved to kill a ram this season, at any cost, for I planned it long ago.
“I advise all our Muslim brothers to be careful in the celebration and pay for what they can afford. They should not take out loans to celebrate. Sallah is a yearly celebration; if they can’t make it this year, maybe they will be able to in the years to come.”
