Prices of goats, rams and cows sharply increased at the popular Kara livestock market in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area of Oyo State, with buyers and sellers expressing concern over the rising cost of animals and meat products as Muslims across the country celebrate 2026 Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan fasting.
Naija News correspondent who toured the popular Kara market on Thursday, March 19, observed a significant spike in livestock prices compared to previous weeks, as traders attributed the surge to increased demand ahead of the festive period, coupled with high transportation and feeding costs.
At the market, small-sized goats that previously sold between ₦40,000 and ₦60,000 are now going for between ₦70,000 and ₦150,000, depending on size and health condition.
Medium and large rams, which are traditionally preferred for Eid sacrifices, now range from ₦100,000 to over ₦200,000.
Cows, which are usually shared among families or community groups, have also witnessed a steep increase, with prices reportedly starting from about ₦800,000 and rising into several millions depending on size and breed.
The goats here were tagged ₦55,000 and ₦50,000
Man pricing goats at Kara Market in Igbeti on Thursday, 19 March, 2026 ahead of Eid Al-Fitr celebration
‘We Are Not Even Selling Like Before’ – Livestock Trader
Some sellers at the market blamed the price hike on the rising cost of transportation, animal feed, and sourcing challenges from the northern parts of the country.
A livestock trader, Mallam Bello, said business has become unpredictable.
“To bring animals from up North now is very expensive. Fuel, feed, and security escort money don increase everything. We are not even selling like before because buyers are complaining,” he said.
“Breading animals here in the Southwest is also not an easy task.”
For many residents and intending buyers, the situation has made Eid preparations more difficult, with several saying they may have to reduce the size of their celebrations.
A customer, Fatimo Alao, lamented that even small goats are now unaffordable for many families.
“Last year many goats to resell and also for my consumption. This year, even smaller ones are expensive. Everything is just too expensive. Even meat in the market is costly before Eid sef,” she said.
Another resident, Sulaimon, said the situation reflects the broader economic hardship in the country.
“Before Eid even come, beef and goat meat don already increase in the market. How person wan take celebrate? Life is just too hard for ordinary people,” he lamented.
‘Customers Now Negotiate Endlessly’ – Seller
Another trader, Ibrahim Bello, said buyers now spend longer hours bargaining due to price shocks.
“People price goats and rams for hours now. Some will even leave without buying anything. Last year we used to sell faster, but this year, the market is slow because of the price,” he said.
The two goats at from the front were priced ₦85,000 and ₦ 75,000 respectively.
Some residents also complained that the cost of meat in local butcher sections has increased even before the Eid celebration officially begins, worsening the burden on households.
A butcher in the area, Mr Jimoh, admitted that the rise in livestock prices has directly affected meat sales.
“If we buy goat or cow expensive, we no fit sell meat cheap. Everything don affect us. Even customers dey complain but we no get choice,” he said.
A resident, Musa Adebayo, lamented that he had to abandon plans to buy a standard ram for the festival due to the high cost.
“I went to the market with hope, but what I saw shocked me. The kind of ram I used to buy for my family, I couldn’t even price it this year. Everything is too expensive. I had to settle for a much smaller goat, and even that one cost me more than what I spent last year,” he said in Yoruba.
Another resident stressed that the rising cost of cattle has made it almost impossible for families to come together to buy a cow, a practice that was common in previous years.
The sheep in complete white was pegged at ₦130,000 while the one with black shade on its head and neck was tagged ₦100,00
Post-Salah Celebration
Naija News correspondent observed that light celebrations continued on Saturday, March 21, with young men and women as well as adults gathered at various parks, chambers and event gardens in Igbeti in the spirit of Eid al-Fitr.
Usually busy streets, area markets and car parks were empty on Saturday as many people were either in their homes or at events to celebrate with family and friends.
However, the tradition of sharing meats and cooked food with neighbours in large portions were drastically reduced this Salah as the current reality forced many residents into managing what they could afford with their families few friends only.
