As preparations for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration gather momentum, residents of Kebbi State are groaning under the weight of soaring ram prices, with some giant breeds now selling for as high as N1 million in major livestock markets across the state.
A survey by Radio Nigeria at Ambursa and Kalgo markets revealed that while rams are readily available, buyers are staying away due to the sharp increase in prices.
Small-sized rams now sell between N100,000 and N200,000, medium-sized breeds cost between N300,000 and N500,000, while bigger and exotic breeds attract prices ranging from N600,000 to N1 million, depending on size and quality.
Many residents described the situation as one of the toughest in recent years, saying the rising cost of living has made the traditional Sallah sacrifice increasingly difficult for average families.
One prospective buyer, Ibrahim Sulaiman, who was seen bargaining with traders at Ambursa market, lamented the skyrocketing prices and expressed hope that costs would drop as the festival draws closer.
Similarly, Umar Lawal Aliero, a civil servant at Kalgo market, said he had postponed buying a ram due to mounting financial pressures and other family responsibilities ahead of the celebration.
Livestock dealers, however, blamed the price surge on rising transportation costs, expensive animal feed, and insecurity along major livestock supply routes across northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
A trader at Ambursa market, Alhaji Sale Unable, explained that the increasing cost of maintaining animals had forced sellers to raise prices despite fears of low patronage.
He disclosed that temporary ram markets have now sprung up across Birnin Kebbi, with traders displaying animals along major roads, in front of homes, shops, and even moving from street to street in search of willing buyers.
Across the Kebbi metropolis, ram sellers have visibly taken over strategic corners as the race for Sallah customers intensifies — but for many residents, this year’s Eid sacrifice may come at a painful cost.
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