Low Ram Sales Reported in Benin City Ahead of Sallah

Ahead of the Sallah celebration, ram sellers in Benin City are experiencing a significant decline in patronage, with many expressing frustration over the situation. Mallam Aliko Haruna, chairman of the ram market, noted that sellers are waiting for buyers who are not forthcoming, leading to a stagnant market.

The prices for rams vary, with large rams selling for between N600,000 and N800,000, medium-sized rams priced at N400,000 to N500,000, and smaller rams costing between N200,000 and N300,000. Amodu Abdullahi, a goat seller, reported a sharp drop in sales compared to the previous year, where he sold ten rams during the last Sallah but is now struggling to sell just two.

Prospective buyers, including Isah Muham, have cited the high prices as a barrier, stating that they cannot afford the rams, which are priced beyond N250,000. The high costs are attributed to transportation expenses from the north to Benin City, impacting both sellers and buyers.