Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Catches Contractors Red-Handed Dismantling Railway Sleepers

By Tgnews Reporter

In a dramatic confrontation that has sparked fresh concerns over the fate of Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, Bauchi State Governor Senator Bala Mohammed on Saturday directly intervened after spotting contractors removing railway sleepers along the Alkaleri–Tafawa Balewa rail corridor.

The governor, who was on his way to Alkaleri Local Government Area for a condolence visit, came across workers loading railway sleepers onto a truck.

Visibly displeased, he immediately halted the operation and demanded explanations from those on site.

Security personnel accompanying the contractors claimed they were acting on directives from the Federal Government, but Governor Mohammed dismissed the response as insufficient, insisting that critical national assets should not be dismantled without proper consultation with the state government.

Describing the development as “troubling” and potentially damaging to Bauchi’s economic interests, the governor directed his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Gamawa (also referred to as Aminu Hammayo in some reports), to formally write to the Federal Ministry of Transport seeking urgent clarification.

He emphasized that the rail infrastructure supports transportation and the distribution of agricultural produce in the region, and its removal without transparency raises serious questions.

According to multiple accounts, further checks revealed that the contractors were reportedly operating with a letter from the Federal Government authorizing the removal of the rail tracks, though no specific reason was provided for the action.

Governor Mohammed has called on relevant authorities and security agencies to intervene and prevent what he described as possible economic sabotage.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of recurring cases of railway vandalism in Bauchi State, where security agencies have in the past arrested suspects for stealing tracks and sleepers.

The governor’s swift action has drawn attention to the need for better coordination between federal and state governments on the management of national infrastructure projects.

As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Transport had not issued an official response to the state government’s letter. Residents and stakeholders in Bauchi have expressed mixed reactions, with some commending the governor for protecting state interests while others await full details on the federal directive.

The development has reignited debates about the rehabilitation or possible decommissioning of older rail lines in northern Nigeria and the importance of stakeholder engagement in such exercises.

Governor Mohammed has vowed to ensure that any activities affecting Bauchi’s infrastructure are carried out transparently and in the best interest of the people.