Mixed Reactions Recorded As Prices Of Livestock Used For Sacrifice Skyrocket.
By Mala Abdulazeez.
As the season of Eid-El Kabir approaches, prices of animals used for sacrifice during the annual festival have skyrocketed beyond the reach of many Muslims
In a Market survey conducted by Radio Nigeria in Yobe, Mixed reactions were recorded from buyers and sellers in all the major markets visited by our correspondent.
According to the buyers, the prices had risen significantly and the sellers complained of a fall in the prices and lack of patronage.
In an interview with Alh Adamu Garba (Sarkin Tikay) of Potiskum Cattle Market which is the biggest in the State and a major market in the Northeastern part of the country, said their has been a rise in the prices of cattles, which occurred as a result of the cost of material used in fattening cattles and transportation.
Comparing the prices with that of 2023, Adamu explained that 2024 is a bit tough for both the buyers and the sellers.
He noted that the present economic crunch has so much affected the living conditions of an average Nigerian.
” if you look at the prices of commodities in 2023, they have all doubled in 2024, a bag of maize or wheat dust which cost 10,000 in. 2023 is now 21,000, and that also affects market. the purchasing power of people has been taken away from them”
“At this time years back (Six Days to Sallah), so much disagreement occur between end buyers and Merchants, but the market is still scanty at this time”
Commenting on the nature of market in Ngalda Monday Market in Fika Local Government area of the State, a farmer, Mal. Umar Shu’aibu explained that the prices of livestock has relatively dropped as a result of low demand and availability.
He noted that farmers always rear cattles and other livestock to be sold when raining season sets in.
” A farmer in the village always buy Rams, Cows and Goats which you feed from the rubbles in your farm after harvest. we do that to prepare for Eid El Kabir (Sallan Layya).
“You Keep at least 4 or more, so that you can keep one or two for yourself and sell the rest”
The situation has remained the same in “Dawasa Thursday Market” located in Nangere Local Government area, “Damaturu Cattle Market” located in the State Capital and other road side markets located in Damagum, (along Damaturu/Potiskum road), Buni Yadi Cattle Market, Gashua and Gaidam Markets.
The hike in the cost of basic commodities in Nigeria has reflected itself boldly in the livestock sector, a situation that is likely to deny average Muslims the means to partake in the annual sacrifice amidst economic crunch.
