As the Sallah celebration approaches on May 26, 2026, Muslim residents in Kaduna are grappling with a significant surge in the prices of food and livestock.
Despite the financial strain, many believers remain committed to fulfilling their religious duties, noting that spiritual devotion remains the priority regardless of one’s ability to afford an animal for sacrifice.
Alhaji Murtala Jimoh, head of Kaduna Motors, clarified that religious doctrine does not mandate animal sacrifice if it is beyond a person’s financial reach, emphasizing that worship should be aligned with individual means.
Meanwhile, local shoppers like Hajia Salamatu Moses have voiced frustration, alleging that traders deliberately hike prices during the holidays to exploit consumers.
However, vendors offer a different perspective. Mallam Idrisu Konduga, a ram seller, attributed the inflated prices to regional insecurity, which has discouraged livestock farming due to the threat of banditry.
This scarcity is compounded by logistical challenges, as explained by Mallam Musa Lali of the Cattle Rearers Association, who cited rising transport and animal maintenance costs as factors driving up market rates.
A source within the State House of Assembly remarked that such price fluctuations are a common occurrence during festive cycles, often driven by traders seeking to maximize seasonal profits.
Despite the economic hardship, the community continues to prepare for the holiday with resilience.
