Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed alarm over the ongoing dismantling of railway sleepers in parts of the state, warning that the development could adversely affect economic growth and rural livelihoods.

The affected rail corridors, located in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas are considered vital for transportation and agricultural activities in the region.

The governor, who observed the removal of the infrastructure while travelling to Alkaleri, described the situation as troubling and raised questions over the intent behind the exercise.

He subsequently directed his Chief of Staff, Dr Aminu Gamawa, to seek clarification from the Federal Ministry of Transport, amid concerns that the action may have been undertaken without adequate consultation with the state government.

While security personnel reportedly claimed federal authorisation for the project, Mohammed stressed the need for transparency, noting that decisions involving critical infrastructure should take into account their impact on host communities.