Ram sellers and traders of other basic food items in Kaduna State are complaining of low patronage, less than three days to the Sallah celebration.
Many of the ram traders in the state capital, who had stocked the animals in anticipation of making good profit during the festive season, complained of low patronage.
Traders at the Kaduna Central Market blamed the poor economy for the high cost of food items and the low sales.
Our correspondent, who visited the market, reports that food items such as rice, meat, cabbage, carrot, vegetable oil, palm oil and yam have become more expensive, while the prices of tomato were considerably affordable due to its seasonal availability.
Ram, a major livestock used in the Sallah festive period, sells at varying prices, depending on the size.
Tightened Security
Meanwhile, security agencies are leaving no stone unturned towards achieving a hitch-free Sallah celebration with the deployment of security operatives across the state.
Speaking to our correspondent in Kaduna, Spokesman of the State Police command, Usman Aliyu, said the action was taken to avert any attempted breach of peace by suspected criminal elements during and after the Sallah celebration and the holidays that will extend next week.
He disclosed that apart from uniformed armed policemen, undercover security operatives would be deployed at worship places and other strategic locations in the state capital, Zaria, and the Southern part of state.
Mr Aliyu also said a special squad of mobile police men would be deployed along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and other highways to ensure the safety of travellers during the period.
