By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Muslims in Ibadan, Oyo State, have expressed concern over the rising cost of rams as preparations intensify for the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir (Eid-ul-Adha) sacrifice, known in Islam as Qurbani.

Buyers and sellers at major ram markets across the city told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the prices are becoming increasingly difficult for many intending buyers, with the economic situation affecting their ability to prepare for the religious sacrifice.

Ram sellers said that although animals are still being purchased ahead of the Sallah celebration, demand has reduced compared to previous years. Some traders noted that many buyers are salary earners or families trying to fulfil the Eid obligation despite financial pressure and delayed incomes.

One seller, Mallam Abdullah Saleh, said sales are slower than expected but still ongoing, adding that he hopes demand will improve as the day of Eid approaches. Another trader, Mallam Salisu Abass, linked the high prices to increased transport costs, explaining that the cost of moving rams from northern Nigeria to Oyo State has risen significantly due to fuel-related expenses.

Some buyers said the cost of purchasing a ram is beyond what many families planned for this year’s Eid, noting that even those still buying are doing so under financial strain in order to fulfil family and religious expectations for the sacrifice.

One buyer, Mr AbdulKarim Oyedele, said the money he brought to the market was not enough for the type of ram he intended to buy, reflecting the widening gap between income levels and market prices ahead of Sallah.

An Islamic scholar, Alhaji Afeez Adegoke, urged Muslims to consider livestock rearing such as sheep, goats, and cattle, saying this could help reduce yearly price pressures during Eid seasons and improve availability of animals for Qurbani.

A NAN survey across major Ibadan markets including Akinyele, Aleshinloye, Oranyan, Bodija and Elekuro showed significant price increases. Small rams now sell between ₦200,000 and ₦250,000, medium-sized ones between ₦300,000 and ₦400,000, while larger rams go as high as ₦900,000.

The report also noted fluctuations in other food prices across the markets as the Eid season approaches, reflecting wider economic conditions affecting households.

Source: The Punch