As the Sallah festival approaches, many residents in northern states are rushing to buy rams, expressing frustration over the high costs of the sacrificial animals. Muslim faithful in the Arewa region, eager to participate in this year’s celebrations, are concerned about the steep prices at various markets.
Numerous buyers in the region have lamented that the inflated prices might prevent them from fulfilling their religious duties and celebrating the festival properly. Compared to 2023, the cost of rams in 2024 has skyrocketed by over 300% in some cases, making it unaffordable for the average Nigerian.
Many buyers, who managed to purchase rams last year, now find this year’s prices daunting. They point out that the general living standards in the North have deteriorated, making it challenging to allocate funds for rams. They must also consider other essential expenses such as food, housing, school fees, and transportation.
A visit to the popular Thursday market in Minna, which also operates on Saturdays, revealed that the economic hardship is widespread. Buyers and sellers alike are grappling with the financial strain, making this Sallah season particularly challenging.
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