Despite the abundance of livestock in the markets, patronage has been very poor due to the high prices, causing concern among livestock dealers.
Some residents of the Kano metropolis have decried hikes in the prices of rams and other livestock as the Muslim faithful prepare for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited some markets in the metropolis, observed that there were many animals for sale but buyers were nowhere.
At the Kofar Na’isa livestock market, a camel is sold for between ₦900,000 and ₦1.7 million while a ram is sold for between ₦450,000 and ₦810,000.
Malam Balarabe Abdulkadir, a livestock dealer attributed the low turnout of buyers to the current economic hardship in the country.
“Residents are nowhere to be found and I haven’t sold anything yet. The livestock are too expensive and buyers are scarce,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammad Ishayaku, a resident of Charanchi quarters, said that the high cost of livestock will prevent many residents from celebrating the Sallah this year.
"I can’t afford ₦400,000 for a ram, so I’ll have to contribute money with my neighbours to buy one,” he added.
Malam Bala Sani, another resident who visited the market, said that the prices were not affordable.
“The hike in livestock prices is unbearable. Honestly, I can’t afford it. A medium-sized ram is selling for ₦340, 000,” he stated.
Malam Abubakar Hamisu, leader of the Goron Dutse livestock market, acknowledged the low patronage but remained hopeful sales will increase in the coming days.
Despite the abundance of livestock in the markets, sales have declined due to the high prices, causing concern among the dealers. Malam Balarabe Abdulkadir, another livestock dealer said that the low turnout of buyers might be due to economic hardship.
Alhaji Mohammad Yakubu of Hotoro quarters expressed fears that high prices of livestock would prevent residents from observing the sacrifice this year.
Malam Sunusi Ahmed, who visited the market to purchase a ram for the Sallah, said the hike in prices was unbearable and he could not afford it. He said that a medium-sized ram goes for ₦340,000.
NAN reports that despite the abundance of livestock in the markets, patronage has been very poor due to the high prices, causing concern among livestock dealers.
