Prices of rams in major animal markets in Kebbi have risen sharply days before the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
A survey conducted at Birnin Kebbi Kara Market and Ambursa International Market showed a 50% increase in ram prices compared to 2025 Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking to NAN, Malam Yahusa Aliyu, Treasurer, Animal Traders Association, Kara Market, Birnin Kebbi branch, attributed the hike to banditry, high transportation costs, and the rising cost of animal feed.
“The feed we bought for N8,000 is now N24,000. Leaves that cost N500 per measure now go for N2,500.
“Many people are scared to rear animals now because bandits steal and rustle livestock, and many villages where cattle and rams come from are unsafe, in addition to high transportation costs which also forced sellers to raise prices,” he said.
Aliyu said rams previously sold for N150,000, N170,000, and N250,000 now go for N250,000, N300,000, and N350,000, depending on size.
According to the treasure goats that sold for N35,000 and N50,000 are now N70,000 and N120,000 respectively.
He also said some people were afraid to buy because they don’t have a place to keep the animals, saying many regular customers “are waiting for salaries and leave grants before buying rams.
“I appeal to the government to pay workers so that civil servants can come and buy. If salary is paid before Sallah, you’d see many people here buying sacred animals.”
On selling animals to people on credit, the treasurer said: “We offer credit to trusted and tested regular customers.”
At Ambursa International Market, along the Argungu-Sokoto road, an agent of animals, Abdullahi Gwandu said livestock rustling and high petrol costs were driving prices up.
“Transport from Birnin Kebbi to Ambursa that cost N200 per ram is now N700. From Kalgo, it’s N2,000 instead of N1,000.
“Drivers charged N200 to carry a ram and N3,000 for a cow before; now it’s double. It’s not our fault, it’s the outcome of government policies,” he said.
He said rams that cost N120,000, N170,000, and N200,000 now sell for N180,000, N240,000, and N300,000 or higher, depending on breed and size.
Another dealer, Mohammad Augie, linked the price hike to banditry in the Northwest.
“Many breeders have lost herds to terrorists, and this has hit animal production hard. People in villages have abandoned rearing due to fear of losing livestock.
“We appeal to the government at all levels to step up efforts against bandits. If insecurity ends, many people will return to animal production,” he said.