Low Patronage Hits Ram Market in Yola Ahead of Eid al-Kabir

YOLA —By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola

Residents and livestock traders at the Tashan Sani Ram Market in Yola South local government counc of Adamawa State, have expressed concern over unusually low customer turnout ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebration, despite relatively stable ram prices this year.

The chairman of ram sellers at Tashan Sani Ram Market, Ibrahim Ahmedu, said traders were surprised by the decline in sales compared to previous years when higher prices still attracted stronger patronage.

“I am so amazed at the patronage of buyers this year. We have never recorded such low sales before,” he said. “Maybe it is due to salary delays. The state has paid salaries, but we learnt that the federal government is yet to do so.”

Ahmedu explained that despite lowering prices to encourage more purchases, buyers have not been turning up in significant numbers, raising concerns among traders who depend heavily on the festive period for profit.

A buyer at the market, Salisu, also attributed the situation to harsh economic conditions. He said he initially planned to buy two rams but had to settle for one due to financial constraints.

“The economy is hard. It is affecting everyone,” he said. “That has really affected the patronage of rams for the Ileya celebration.”

Traders continue to hope for improved sales as the festive period draws closer, but uncertainty remains high among livestock sellers in the market.