Muslims in the northern Nigerian city of Bauchi have gathered in large numbers to mark Eid al-Adha, a rare sight in recent years because of the fear of attack from Boko Haram militants, who used to be active in the area.

People gathered at mosques and community grounds for morning prayers on the Muslim festival known as the “feast of the sacrifice”.

Later they are expected to make an animal sacrifice as a reminder of Ibrahim's obedience to God after he was ordered to sacrifice his son Isaac.

According to holy texts, as Ibrahim was about to kill his son, God stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead.

But many Muslims in Nigeria have been complaining of economic hardship this year, saying they cannot afford to buy an animal to sacrifice.

Malam Mabudi, a resident of Bauchi, told me he was one of those who could not buy a sheep.

But he said he was happy this year’s festival was taking place in a peaceful atmosphere, unlike in previous years.

Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009 with the aim of establishing an Islamic caliphate in West Africa.

The conflict has reportedly left around 20,000 people dead and displaced at least two million.