Barely few hours to this year’s Sallah celebrations, chicken dressers have lamented low patronage of their services compared to what was the case last year.
The chicken dressers bared their minds when our correspondent visited some of their makeshift tents beside roads across Damaturu metropolis.
There have been tens of temporary chicken dressing spot within the metropolis established by mostly youths with a view to getting means of livelihood from the killing and butcher of live chickens purchased by customers who would be celebrating Sallah possibly tomorrow.
The aspiration of these youths may be threatened due to low patronage as customers celebrating the Sallah are not yet certain on the celebration day which depends on the sighting of the new crescent.
A visit to some spots within the metropolis showed big pots on flames with boiled water, erected tables, knives as well as stranded youths who are patiently waiting for customers to arrive.
However, in some other spots visited, there were activities taking place with Abdullahi Idriss, a dresser, confirming to DAILY POST that the patronage is low when compared to the same period in 2018.
“Customers are contemplating when the actual Sallah day would be, that might be some of the reasons why our customers are not patronising us today.
“But, we are hopeful that the patronage would be higher before the day runs out or tomorrow when the actual day for the celebration is certain,” Idriss explained.
Another chicken dresser, Abdullahi Salisu, said he charges N100 per chicken but decried low patronage of his service.
“Last year same time, it was a beehive of activities here but this year it is different as customers are not forthcoming,” Salisu said.
As Muslims faithful anticipate Eid-el-fitr celebrations which might be tomorrow or next, it was a beehive of activities at the Damaturu market as residents rushed to make last minute purchases of foodstuff, clothes, among other items for the festivities.
