Governor of Bauchi condemns alleged destruction of Rail Line along parts of the state

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has expressed serious concern over the alleged removal and destruction of railway infrastructure along parts of the state, describing the development as disturbing and unacceptable.

The Governor made his position known during a visit to Alkaleri Local Government Area on a condolence visit before proceeding to Duguri to assess ongoing military and security operations, including recent rescue efforts by security operatives.

While on the trip, the Governor said he encountered what he described as an “unwholesome development,” where railway sleepers had been removed from the tracks and loaded into trucks under the supervision of security personnel, including the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Governor Bala Mohammed said he was initially surprised by the situation, especially as he had earlier received reports about similar activities in some parts of the State.

He noted that upon inquiry, the State Commandant of the NSCDC informed him that the action was based on a directive purportedly from the Federal Government to remove railway materials along the corridor.

Despite this explanation, the Governor questioned the rationale behind dismantling critical national infrastructure, stressing that such assets were meant to serve the public and support economic activities, particularly the transportation of agricultural produce.

He expressed suspicion that the removed railway components might be sold off, warning that such actions, if true, would amount to the destruction of valuable national assets built with significant public funds.

The Governor further alleged possible connivance across different levels, vowing not to remain silent on the matter.

According to the Governor, he will formally write to the Federal Ministry of Transportation to seek clarification on whether the railway line serving the area is being abandoned.

He added that the State government would further engage relevant authorities, including railway police officials, to fully ascertain the situation and ensure accountability.