The Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, weekend expressed concern over the removal of railway sleepers along the Alkaleri–Tafawa Balewa rail corridor, describing the development as troubling and potentially harmful to the state’s economic interests.
The governor reportedly came across contractors removing the sleepers during the weekend while travelling to Alkaleri local government area on a condolence visit.
Worried by the activity, he called on relevant authorities and security agencies to urgently intervene and clarify the situation.
A visibly displeased Mohammed questioned the basis for dismantling the rail infrastructure, adding that such critical national assets should not be tampered with without proper consultation with the state government.
He immediately directed his chief of staff to write to the Federal Ministry of Transport, seeking clarification, while expressing concern that key infrastructure within the state was being dismantled without the knowledge of state authorities.
The governor noted that security personnel accompanying the contractors claimed they were acting on directives from the federal government.
The governor warned that removing the railway sleepers could worsen transportation challenges and negatively affect economic activities in communities that rely on the rail corridor for the movement of goods.
