By Charity Nwosu
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Some residents of Dei-Dei and Kubwa Communities in the Bwari Area Council, FCT, have expressed concern over the sharp increase in the prices of rams ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir (Sallah) celebration.
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‎The residents spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

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‎The residents said that the rising cost of livestock was making it difficult for many Muslim faithful to fulfil the religious obligation of sacrificing rams during the festival.
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‎A NAN visit to major livestock markets in Dei-Dei and Kubwa revealed that the prices of rams had risen significantly compared to previous years.
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‎Some ram sellers attributed the increase to rising transportation costs, insecurity in some northern states and the high cost of animal feed.
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‎A livestock dealer at the Dei-Dei Market, Mohammed Saminu, said the cost of transporting animals from states such as Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and Plateau had doubled due to the increase in fuel prices.
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‎According to him, a medium-sized ram now sells for between N500,000 and N700,000, depending on the size and breed.
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‎“Last year, people could buy a good ram for less than N400,000, but things have changed because of the economic situation and transportation costs,” he said.
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‎“This year, everything has changed. Rams are more expensive than last year, and people are not coming to buy like before.
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‎“Customers are not even offering up to the amount we bought the animals for in the market.
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‎”Transportation and feeding have become very expensive, and this affects the final price of the animals,” he said.
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‎Mrs Zainab Danjuma, a resident of Kubwa, said the high prices had forced her family to consider alternatives.
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‎“We usually buy a ram every year, but the prices are too high now. We may have to contribute with relatives or settle for something smaller,” she said.
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‎“We are already struggling with food prices, school fees and transportation. Buying a ram this year may be difficult for many families.”
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‎Another trader, Sani Yahaya, said insecurity along major highways had also discouraged many livestock dealers from bringing large numbers of animals to the markets.
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‎“Some traders are afraid of attacks on the road, and this has reduced supply. When supply is low, prices automatically go up,” he said.
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‎Another resident, Muhammed Ahmed, said the current economic hardship had reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerians.
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‎He appealed to the government to address rising transportation costs and insecurity to ease the burden on both traders and consumers.
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‎Ahmed, however, expressed optimism that prices might reduce slightly closer to the Sallah period as more animals arrive in the markets.

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‎He also urged Muslims to celebrate within their means and avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period.
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‎“Sallah symbolises sacrifice, love and sharing. The sincerity of worship is more important than the size of the ram purchased,” he said.
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‎Some prospective buyers described the situation as discouraging, noting that many families might not be able to afford rams this year.
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‎The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the major Islamic celebrations observed by Muslims worldwide.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor