The Plateau State Government has ordered the indefinite closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state to curb the spread of a diphtheria outbreak that has already killed at least 23 people. The directive, effective from Monday, September 7, 2026, applies to schools that had already resumed operations, which must shut down from the same date until further notice.
Official Directive and Effective Date
The closure order was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, on Saturday. Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang issued the order after health authorities confirmed suspected diphtheria cases in four local government areas: Jos North, Wase, Jos South, and Bassa.
The government said the decision aims to keep pupils and students away from crowded classrooms, where the highly contagious bacterial infection could spread rapidly. Proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, and guardians were all directed to ensure children remain at home throughout the closure period.
Death Toll and Hospitalisations
The closure follows alarming figures disclosed earlier in the week by the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong. He said about 23 people had died from suspected diphtheria complications, with the majority of cases concentrated in Jos North. Dr Baamlong added that nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and the Plateau Specialist Hospital, as the state government worked to contain the spread of the disease.
Health Concerns and Containment Efforts
The outbreak has triggered concern among parents and health workers, who fear that classrooms, where children sit in close contact for hours at a time, present ideal conditions for further transmission. Medical experts note that diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties and heart failure. Without early treatment, the disease can be fatal.
The Plateau State Government said it had intensified containment efforts across affected areas and urged residents to cooperate with health officials and follow all public health advisories as the situation develops.
