As the Eid-el-Kabir festival approaches, Muslim faithful is lamenting the high cost of rams, foodstuff, and other necessities.

Although the prices of those essential materials had increased in the past, an additional 50 percent increase has been noticed since the Sallah approaches.

According to Alhaji Musa Yakodo, sheep, goats, cows, or camels are allowed to be used for the sacrifice, even though many people prefer to use ram because of the enormous reward it attracts from Allah.

He said the prices of rams have shot up to between 70 and 90 percent in most parts of the country.

Also speaking, Alhaji Musa Abilewa, said the fear of insecurity has stopped many livestock traders from traveling to the bush to buy those animals for resale, adding that the few available animals are so expensive.

He said the price of a medium-sized ram, which cost N30,000 in 2019 and 2020, is now going to N50,000, while the large-size ram of N250,000 has gone up to N400,000 within the same period.

Malam Sunusi Usman, who sells at the popular Zango animal market in Tudun Wada, Kaduna metropolis, said the animals were available, but buyers were not forthcoming.