Sallah: Rams everywhere but few buyers
Eid el- Kabir, also known as a feast of sacrifice, is the second of religious festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
It is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
As part of the activities to mark the celebration, it is expected that every Muslim must slaughter a ram in remembrance of the historic event.
However, every year there seems to be an increase in the prices of certain commodities in the market due to the festive and this year is no exception.
A visit to Utako, Kubwa and Dutse markets within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) reveals that there seems to be a slight difference in the prices of commodities and rams.
Daily Trust, gathered that while residents lament over the high prices of rams, the sellers said the prices are affordable, depending on the size desired by the customers, as the prices range from 12,000 to 15,000.
Ibrahim Abubakar, said patronage has been discouraging because most customers who indicate interest to buy rams for Sallah have not been paid in their places of work and hopes that the level of patronage will increase before the day of celebration.
Olayiwola Sherrif, another seller of rams however, has a different story to tell. He told Daily Trust reporters that the main reason for his involvement in the business is to help the Muslim faithful who might not be buoyant enough to buy ram by subsidizing the price for them, which is known as Jihad in the holy book (Quran).
He said out of 55 rams which he brought to the market, it is remaining 19 because of the high demand by his customers.
Emeka Odumegwu said groundnut oil is presently scarce because it is usually gotten from the north and that he cannot actually ascertain if the scarcity of the product is as a result of Sallah celebration.
The product which was formally sold for N5,500 now goes for N6,500,while the prices of commodities like rice, beans and gari have not experienced any increment.
Mrs. Mariam Isah said the price of commodities like tomatoes, pepper, onions and other house hold items have increased due to Sallah celebration.
A visit to OKJ Destiny Venture at Dutse market that deals with frozen food revealed that the prices of frozen foods have been fluctuating due to the closure of borders, but presently the price is stable.
The seller said the patronage level has been encouraging and customers have been responding positively as Sallah celebration is around the corner.
Nuhu Sokoto, who sells onions said the price of onions has also increased due to Sallah. A basket which was formally sold for N500 now goes for N700.
Abdul Kano said tomato has also experienced a hike in price as Sallah celebration is approaching. A basket formally sold at the rate of N800 now goes for N1,200.
Ejura Omale said they have not been able to buy ram due to financial constraints. She said her family has decided to wait until a day to Sallah when the prices would have reduced.
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