Following the rising cost of foodstuffs, rams, and other essential items in the market ahead of tomorrow’s Sallah celebration, Muslim faithful across Kaduna and its environs have vowed that nothing would stop them from observing their religious obligation come May 26, 2026.
A cross-section of Muslims interviewed in Kaduna on Tuesday expressed gratitude to God for seeing them through to witness the 2026 Sallah celebration, declaring that “with or without animal sacrifice, they will perform their spiritual obligation.”
According to Alhaji Murtala Jimoh, the Managing Director of Kaduna Motors, there is no spiritual obligation that makes animal sacrifice compulsory.
“It is necessary to sacrifice an animal, especially a ram, but where you cannot afford to buy one, there is no punishment for it. You worship God with all your heart and perform your spiritual obligation according to your means.”
Hajia Salamatu Moses, who expressed surprise at the cost of foodstuffs and rams, accused sellers of waiting until the Sallah period to sell their products in order to exploit Muslims observing their religious obligations.
“I wonder why these people waited patiently until this period in order to extort money from Muslims,” she said.
According to her, although the prices of these items have always been high, the festive period has made the situation worse, adding that this is a holy month and everybody must give an account of what he or she sows.
However, her observations were countered by a ram seller at the Kaduna Central Market. Mallam Idrisu Konduga said ram prices have risen due to insecurity.
According to him, people are no longer interested in rearing rams and other animals because bandits can drive them away from their homes at any time. He added that the few individuals who still rear these animals often charge high prices.
In an interview, the Chairman of the Cattle Rearers Association, Kaduna State chapter, Mallam Musa Lali, said the scarcity of rams and the cost of transportation to markets had increased selling prices.
“No businessman wants to sell at a loss. Therefore, most of us who sell these animals add our expenses, including feeding the animals and providing proper healthcare facilities, among others. These will surely increase the selling price.”
A member of the State House of Assembly, who did not want his name published, said the high cost of foodstuffs, especially animals, during festive periods has always existed.
According to him, businessmen and women always want to make profits, and some store their products while waiting for festive periods to make huge gains.
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