Ibadan – As Eid ul-Adha approaches, many Muslims in Ibadan metropolis are expressing doubts about celebrating this year due to the soaring costs of rams and other animals traditionally sacrificed. The steep rise in prices has put the festival out of reach for numerous families.
Market surveys by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) across Bodija Ram Market, Aleshinloye, Oranyan, and Akinyele revealed a large supply of rams but very few buyers. Ram seller Mallam Mohammed Abdulsalam attributed the high prices to increased transportation costs from northern Nigeria to the southwest, stating he paid N5,000 per ram for transport and feeding, which added to the overall cost.
Buyer Mr. Kamorudeen Ishaq said he could not afford a ram and settled for a goat at N80,000. Double the N40,000 he paid for a ram last year. He advised fellow Muslims not to overstretch financially or borrow to afford the sacrifice, noting that those unable to participate this year could wait for next year’s celebration.
Prices for rams currently range from N200,000 to N1.3 million, while goats sell for at least N70,000.
Meanwhile, prices of essential ingredients like pepper and tomatoes have also skyrocketed. At Akinyele Market, seller Alhaji Isyaku Mahmud blamed the spike on disrupted supply routes caused by a collapsed bridge at Mokwa, Niger State, which stranded many pepper-laden vehicles.
Another trader, Ibrahim Haruna, reported that a bag of bonnet pepper (rodo) now sells for N170,000, up from N120,000 in May; a basket of tomatoes costs N30,000, while a crate goes for N12,000. Bags of bawa and onions have also nearly doubled in price.
At Bodija Pepper Market, trader Alhaja Munirat Ige lamented that the high prices are affecting sales, especially since many residents have limited resources.
Resident Mrs. Bashirat Eniodunmo called on southwest governments to support local farmers to boost pepper production, stressing its importance in Yoruba cuisine. She urged authorities to help ease the yearly burden on consumers who face high prices during Sallah.
The economic challenges ahead of Eid ul-Adha have made what should be a joyous occasion a struggle for many Ibadan Muslims this year.
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