News
Rising Ram Prices Spark Concern Ahead Of Sallah
By Charity Nwosu
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.
The residents spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
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.
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.
Some ram sellers attributed the increase to rising transportation costs, insecurity in some northern states and the high cost of animal feed.
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.
According to him, a medium-sized ram now sells for between N500,000 and N700,000, depending on the size and breed.
“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.
“This year, everything has changed. Rams are more expensive than last year, and people are not coming to buy like before.
“Customers are not even offering up to the amount we bought the animals for in the market.
”Transportation and feeding have become very expensive, and this affects the final price of the animals,” he said.
Mrs Zainab Danjuma, a resident of Kubwa, said the high prices had forced her family to consider alternatives.
“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.
“We are already struggling with food prices, school fees and transportation. Buying a ram this year may be difficult for many families.”
Another trader, Sani Yahaya, said insecurity along major highways had also discouraged many livestock dealers from bringing large numbers of animals to the markets.
“Some traders are afraid of attacks on the road, and this has reduced supply. When supply is low, prices automatically go up,” he said.
Another resident, Muhammed Ahmed, said the current economic hardship had reduced the purchasing power of many Nigerians.
He appealed to the government to address rising transportation costs and insecurity to ease the burden on both traders and consumers.
Ahmed, however, expressed optimism that prices might reduce slightly closer to the Sallah period as more animals arrive in the markets.
He also urged Muslims to celebrate within their means and avoid unnecessary pressure during the festive period.
“Sallah symbolises sacrifice, love and sharing. The sincerity of worship is more important than the size of the ram purchased,” he said.
Some prospective buyers described the situation as discouraging, noting that many families might not be able to afford rams this year.
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)
Edited by Magdalene Ukuedojor
The Nigerian Army says 14 kidnap victims were rescued in separate operations in Kogi, while sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the country.
The army disclosed this in its latest operational update covering August 15 and 16, on Sunday. In Kogi, the troops of 21 Battalion rescued 13 victims abducted along the Alloma-Ejule Road in Ofu council area.
The troops had launched a search-and-rescue operation after the victims were kidnapped on Tuesday.
The operation covered the Emeweopada-Abocho axis in Dekina council area, where sustained military pressure forced the kidnappers to flee.
“The victims were subsequently released and taken to the palace of the Onu Abocho for further action. In another incident in Ofu, troops responding to a suspected kidnapping attack along the Ochadamu-Okabo Road rescued a pregnant woman abandoned by kidnappers.
“The troops had discovered that four civilians, including the pregnant woman, were abducted by the criminals. The kidnappers abandoned the woman and fled after sighting the advancing troops from a distance. The rescued woman was subsequently reunited with her family,” the report said.
In Plateau, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded to a report of the kidnapping of two civilians at Nhantina Village in Bokkos council area.
One of the victims had gunshot wounds and was evacuated to Bokkos Cottage Hospital for medical attention, while troops continued pursuit of the abductors.
“Meanwhile, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA arrested another suspect linked to a notorious arms and explosives dealer in Zamfara. The development followed the Aug. 14 arrest of the arms dealer while transporting 180 units of 20mm Super Power explosives along the Kaura-Zurmi Road in Zurmi Local Government Area.
“Based on information obtained from the suspect, troops of 1 Military Intelligence Regiment arrested another suspect at the Gusau Central Motor Park on August 15,” the report said.
In Sokoto, troops responding to a terrorist attack at Jijira Village in Sabon Birni council area forced the attackers to flee into nearby bushes. According to the report, troops have begun efforts to track the fleeing terrorists, rescue the abducted persons and recover the rustled livestock.
“Troops also foiled an attack by suspected armed militias targeting Murish Community in Mangu Local Government Area. Troops responded to reports of sporadic shooting, forcing the suspected militias to withdraw from the area. They subsequently dominated the area to deny the criminal elements freedom of action,” it added.
The latest operations underscored the military’s continued focus on disrupting kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities while supporting efforts to restore peace in affected communities.
(NAN)
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