OSOGBO – Livestock sellers in Osun have decried poor patronage less than 24 hours to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, attributing the trend to rising transportation costs and fuel price hikes.
Some traders who spoke with newsmenon Tuesday in Osogbo said the high cost of cows and rams was driven by inflation and increased transportation expenses.
A livestock seller near Fakunke Comprehensive High School, Malam Kabiru Mohammed, said rams currently sell for between N200,000 and N900,000, while cows cost between N650,000 and N2 million.
According to him, the prices are significantly higher than in previous years, noting that most customers only make enquiries without making purchases.
“The market is very poor. People are not buying, and we have less than 24 hours to the celebration,” he said.
Another seller at the Power Line livestock market, Adamu Yusufu, said many residents now opt for cow-sharing arrangements or settle for smaller animals due to the high prices.
“Patronage is low. I barely make sales. In the past week, I have sold only four rams and one small-sized cow. Is that a good market?” he asked.
Similarly, a cow seller at Alekuwodo Market, Saheed Abdullahi, blamed poor road conditions and the high cost of diesel for the soaring prices of livestock.
“The transporters charge more than expected. We pay for security, and sometimes we lose animals on the road, which reduces our profit.
“We travel in groups and also pay informal fees at checkpoints. It is not our fault that the prices are high,” Abdullahi said.
He appealed to the government to stabilise fuel prices, repair roads and improve security on highways.
“If the roads are good, we will spend less on diesel and travel faster. Transportation and feeding costs have increased drastically. We are not happy about the rise in prices,” he added.
Another trader, Saif Abdelrahman, said many customers had turned to goats as they could no longer afford cows or rams.
“People complain that they cannot afford the prices, and sales are no longer what they used to be.
“We sell cows from N700,000 to N3 million depending on size, while goats go for between N130,000 and N400,000.
“We feed the livestock to keep them healthy for buyers, but patronage remains very poor. We have never experienced it this bad before,” he said.
Some customers also expressed concern over the persistent rise in livestock prices.
A resident, Farooq Ayouba, said the prices of cows and rams were beyond his budget.
“The prices are too high. I cannot borrow money to buy a cow. I would rather buy what I can afford,” he said.
Another resident, Mrs Rashidat Ibrahim, described the prices as outrageous.
“A decent cow now costs N1 million and above. That is too expensive.
“My family and I have decided to go for something cheaper. What matters most is that we are alive to witness the celebration,” she said.(NAN)
