Muhammad Alabira Nabordo
As Eid-el-Kabir approaches, prices of sacrificial animals have skyrocketed in Nabordo market, the largest market in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
According to a market survey conducted by Nigerian Times Online, the prices of cows, sheep, and goats have become unaffordable for many people.
The Eid-el Kabir festival is going to be celebrated on June 6, 2025, which corresponds to the 10th of Dhul Hajj, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar 1447 Hijrah.
The prices of cows range from N300,000 to N1.6 million, depending on the size and sex of the animal.
Sheep prices are also steep, with a normal-sized sheep costing between N80,000 and N600,000.
And well-bred bull, is sold between N1000,000 and N1.7 Million, compared to how it was sold before Sallah’s period.
While Goats are not spared either, with prices ranging from N50,000 for the smallest to N100,000 to N150,000 for the bigger ones.
The findings of the survey highlighted that high prices have made it challenging for many Muslims to afford sacrificial animals for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The surge in prices is likely to affect the ability of many to fulfill their religious obligations.
The price surge is attributed to so many reasons such as high demand for sacrificial animals during the festivities, as well as increased costs of transportation and animal feed, according to animal dealers.
Eid-el-Kabir is a significant festival in the Islamic calendar, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hajj a Lunar month every.
However, Muslims around the world slaughter sacrificial animals to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail.
The meat is eaten in the house and then distributed across friends, and the needy.
Ibrahim Tabbune disclosed to Nigerian Times Online that the present situation has forced many people to postponed sacrificing this time around.
His lamentation about the unaffordable prices of sacrificial animals echoes the sentiments of many Muslims as Eid-el-Kabir approaches.
He told Nigerian Times Online that with prices of cows ranging from N300,000 to N1.6 million and sheep from N80,000 to N600,000, many are finding it difficult to afford these animals for sacrifice.
He said the situation is not unique to Bauchi alone, as neighboring states or Nigeria as a whole is experiencing significant price hikes due to government’s policy of the neighbouring Niger Republic’s Military Junta, which stopped all sort of animals coming into Nigeria.
Because thousands of animals were used to be imported into Nigeria from the neighbouring countries of Niger Republic, Chad and Cameroun.
Also Musa Inusa Baldi said people are forced to form groups of 5, 6 or 7 to jointly purchase a cow for Eid-el-Kabir sacrifice, citing the affordability issue.
He noted that a sheep priced at N60,000 would yield insufficient meat for sharing with neighbors, making a cow a more practical option for those who can pool their resources together and buy.
In Islamic tradition, it’s permissible for up to 7 people to share a cow for sacrifice, making this a viable solution for those struggling to afford the high prices of sacrificial animals.
I view of this, residents are calling for more affordable prices, citing exploitation by traders and agents seeking to profit from the high demand.
