“What We Saw Is Deeply Concerning” — Gov Bala Raises Alarm Over Removal of Railway Sleepers in Bauchi
By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi
Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has raised serious concern over the ongoing removal of railway sleepers along rail corridors in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas, describing the development as disturbing and requiring urgent clarification.
The Governor expressed his concern after personally observing contractors allegedly removing railway sleepers while he was traveling to Alkaleri Local Government Area on a condolence visit.
He said the sight raised immediate questions about the status and management of critical national infrastructure within the state, especially as such assets play a key role in transportation and economic activities.
Governor Bala Mohammed subsequently directed his Chief of Staff to formally write to the Federal Ministry of Transportation, seeking clarification over what he described as the dismantling of national assets without prior consultation with the state government.
He noted that although security personnel accompanying the workers claimed the exercise was being carried out under Federal Government instructions, such explanations were not sufficient to justify the removal of vital infrastructure.
“What we witnessed is deeply concerning. These are national assets built to support transportation, agriculture, and economic growth. They should not be dismantled without proper explanation and consultation with relevant stakeholders,” the Governor said.
He warned that the continued removal of railway infrastructure could amount to neglect of important regional assets, adding that it could negatively affect transportation and the movement of agricultural produce within the state and beyond.
The Governor emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and intergovernmental collaboration in decisions affecting critical infrastructure, stressing that such actions must consider their economic and social impact on host communities.
Governor Bala Mohammed further assured that the state government would pursue the matter through official channels to ensure clarity, protect public assets, and safeguard the interests of the people of Bauchi State.
