Residents of Kaduna State are lamenting the soaring cost of rams ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, with some large breeds now selling for as much as N1 million in major livestock markets across the state.

According to a report by Punch Newspapers, checks at livestock markets in Kaduna metropolis showed that medium-sized rams currently sell between N200,000 and N450,000, while bigger and exotic breeds attract prices ranging from N700,000 to N1m.

Many residents said the sharp increase has made the traditional Sallah sacrifice unaffordable for several families already struggling with rising living costs and economic hardship.

Speaking at the Zango livestock market in the Tudun Wada area of Kaduna, a civil servant, Suleiman Aliyu, described the situation as alarming.

He said many families might not be able to buy rams this year, noting that paying over N200,000 for an average ram was beyond the reach of ordinary workers.

Another resident, Halima Sani, said some families were considering cheaper alternatives such as chickens because ram prices had become unaffordable.

Livestock traders blamed the surge on insecurity, rising transportation costs and the country’s economic challenges.

A livestock dealer, Salisu Abdullahi, said transporting animals from rural communities and neighbouring states had become more expensive because of insecurity on major roads and increasing fuel and diesel prices.

Another trader, Ahmed Lawal, added that cattle rustling and attacks in parts of northern Nigeria had reduced livestock supply to markets.

Some residents urged the government to address inflation and insecurity, warning that worsening economic conditions were affecting religious and social activities nationwide.

A resident, Lukman Ayuba, said he could no longer afford to buy two rams for his family as he had done in previous years.

He noted that the price of a single ram now rivals the cost of a plot of land in some areas.

Markets across Kaduna reportedly continue to record low patronage as many prospective buyers stay away due to high prices and weak purchasing power.

The rising cost of rams comes amid persistent inflation and economic strain following fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange fluctuations, which have pushed up transportation and food prices across Nigeria.

Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the major Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide and is marked by the slaughtering of rams and other animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah.