From Abdullahi Adamu Gusau
Chairmen of ams and goats sellers association in Gusau and Kwatarkwashi livestock markets of Zamfara State, Alh. Gambo Jimeta and Alh. Abubakar have expressed concern over low patronage as the prices of rams range from N150,000 to N250,000.
The Chairmen made the Statement while answering questions from newsmen at the livestock Market in Gusau. The Chairman of the Rams Sellers Association of Zamfara State, Alh. Gambo Jimeta, said that less than a week to Eid-el-Kabir, otherwise known as Eid-al-Adha, it is a period when Muslims slaughter sacrificial animals to mark the occasion.
He further stated that the ritual is an act of worship performed by Muslim faithful on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, by those who are not performing Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
According to him, it involves slaughtering a ram, the preferred choice, or a sheep, he-goat, goat, cow, or camel that is healthy, free from defects, and has reached the required age.
A survey conducted at Kwatarkwashi Bungudu and Gusau livestock markets revealed that traders have stocked enough animals in anticipation of high patronage.
The Chairman also said that besides rams, other livestock in stock included sheep, goats, cows, and camels of various sizes and prices, depending on the customer’s choice and budget.
He explained that the rams now sell for between N150,000 and N250,000, camel prices currently range from N500,000 to N3 million, while bulls and cows sell for between N500,000 and N2 million, depending on size, weight, and quality, adding that the price of Sheep N160,000, to N190,000, the goat is N100,000, to N120,000 and the billy goat is N120,000 to N150,000
The survey further showed that prices of the animals have risen significantly compared to last year, forcing many prospective buyers to either postpone purchases or opt for smaller animals based on their purchasing power.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rams Sellers Association Kwatarkwashi Bungudu, Alh. Abubakar said that in spite of large quantities of animals available, patronage had remained relatively low due to the current economic situation.
The Chairman explained that the increase in livestock prices was largely driven by the high cost of animal feed and transportation from herders within and outside the state.
“Last year, a bag of animal feed sold for between N10,000 and N13,000, this year the same product now costs about N25,000 per bag,” he added.
“Transportation fares have also increased considerably, and all these expenses ultimately affect the final selling price,” he said.
Earlier Speaking, the Sarkin Zango of Zamfara State, Alh. Lawali Abdullahi, said that he attributed the poor patronage to the current economic hardship facing many Nigerians.
He explained that many buyers now prefer to delay purchases until a few days or even a day before Eid-el-Kabir, hoping prices might drop.
However, they expressed optimism that prices could drop slightly as the festive period draws nearer and competition among traders intensifies.
The Sarkin Zango also said that the association will enact a law which will guide the customers who purchased their Rams and Goats to pack them outside the market from 7am to 7pm
