From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Barely a week to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, ram dealers have decried what they describe as incessant harassment and multiple taxation by revenue collectors from Adamawa, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, and Cross River States.
The Chairman of the Ram Market in Calabar, Cross River State, Alhaji Isyaka Mohammed Hadeja, made the complaint in an interview with our reporter in Calabar.
He said traders are subjected to various charges at different checkpoints, especially after entering Benue State.
“Different revenue collectors mount roadblocks and surcharge us at every checkpoint. At each point, we pay between N2,000 and N3,000 before we are allowed to pass,” he said.
Alhaji Hadeja further lamented that the situation worsens upon entering Cross River State, where, according to him, illegal toll points are mounted by “area boys” who demand arbitrary payments.
“The worst is when we get to Cross River; there are illegal gates mounted by area boys who surcharge us as they wish before opening the gate for us to pass. We have no option but to comply, otherwise our animals may die, which will result in huge losses,” he added.
He noted that despite the challenges, market activity remains slow, as many buyers complain of insufficient funds to purchase rams.
According to him, the cheapest ram currently sells for about N500,000.
However, he expressed optimism that sales may improve as the Sallah celebration draws nearer.
A buyer, Jaja Ibrahim Chaba Rawaiya, told our reporter that he was able to purchase two rams despite the high prices.
“I came to buy rams. The prices are a little high, but I managed to buy two for myself and my family,” he said.
Alhaji Hadeja appealed to the Cross River State Government to intervene and curb the excesses of revenue collectors and illegal checkpoints, especially those affecting transporters and traders conveying livestock to the state.
