Tobaski ram sale gain momentum - as dealers grow worried about theft incidences

As the much awaited muslim feast of Tobaski gets more and more closer, Gambians have have been flocking to the country’s major livestock centres in search of animals to offer as sacrifice.

At Abuko, the country’s main livestock centre, tens of thousands of rams are assembled every year, and this year is no exception. The Daily Observer went all out to Abuko Livestock Centre, where 60% of Muslims buy their rams. Thousands of heads of animals were already available on sale, with minimum price for a ram standing D2,000.

In an interview with this reporter, Musa Njie, the president of The Gambia Livestock Dealers Association, said that at the moment many dealers were busy transporting their animals from neighboring countries, especially from Senegal; from where he said almost 75% of the animals come from.  He also told the Daily Observer that the livestock centre would soon be inundated, sighting that dealers from Mali were yet to arrive in the country.  

He further stated that sales of rams at the centre were at a very slow rate compared to last year. He indicated that the possible reason behind such a problem might be due to the fact that many people were yet to receive their money, while for some it is a matter of sit-and-awaits – in case the place get inundated with animals.

One major constraint that remained tormenting for him the menace of theft. "Over the years," he said, "we encountered unprecedented rate of theft cases and threats at the centre. "These thieves," he went on, "usually operate during the night. This is why this year we are emphasizing for all dealers to trade inside the centre as the abattoir is now safe and secure.’’

Mr Njie extended appreciation to the Gambian leader, Professor Alhajie Yahya Jammeh, for his effort in providing more security by fencing the perimeter. Musa Njie also used the opportunity to appeal to his fellow dealers not to hike the prices of their animals at the detriment of people. To him Tobaski is a moment when Muslims should show mercy on humanity, especially to those who are less privileged.

The Gambia livestock dealers association president then appealed to Gambians and the general public at large to patronize their business by buying their animals. Modou Joum Mallow and Yerrow Sowe, both livestock dealers, expressed similar sentiments.

Several other dealers who spoke to the Daily Observer, hailed the conducive environment created by the Gambian leader for business in livestock.