Eid-al-Adha: Residents register mixed reactions as soaring prices hit Ondo ram markets

By Boye Oyeyemi

Commercial activities have increased in major ram markets across Akoko communities in Ondo State ahead of the Eid-al-Adha celebration, despite complaints over soaring prices and low patronage by buyers.

Findings from markets in Ikare-Akoko, Oka-Akoko and Akungba-Akoko showed that traders had continued to receive supplies of rams from the northern parts of the country as Muslim faithful prepare for the annual festival.

Research revealed that small-sized rams now sell for about N150,000, while medium-sized rams cost between N180,000 and N200,000. Bigger breeds were sold for N250,000 and above, depending on size and quality.

Some residents who visited the markets lamented the sharp increase in prices compared to last year, saying the current economic hardship had made it difficult for many families to purchase rams for the celebration.

A ram seller in Ikare-Akoko, Musa Ibrahim, attributed the development to rising transportation costs, insecurity on highways and the increase in fuel prices across the country.

According to him, transporting livestock from the northern region to the South-West now attracts higher expenses as transporters battle insecurity and other logistics challenges on major roads.

Another trader in Akungba-Akoko, Bello Yusuf, said many residents now visit the markets mainly to enquire about prices, expressing hope that the cost of the animals would drop before the Sallah celebration.

Meanwhile, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulrahman Sulaimon, urged intending buyers to ensure they purchase healthy and mature animals in line with Islamic teachings, while a retired public health officer, Alhaji Kareem Adepoju, called on government veterinary officials to inspect animals in the markets to prevent the sale of unhealthy livestock.