…23 deaths recorded as suspected cases spread across four LGAs
Daud Olatunji
The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools in the state following an outbreak of diphtheria that has reportedly claimed 23 lives.
The directive, which takes effect on Monday, September 7, 2026, will remain in force indefinitely as the government intensifies efforts to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.
The government said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to protect pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community from contracting the disease.
The development comes days after health authorities raised the alarm over suspected diphtheria-related deaths in Jos North Local Government Area.
The Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, had disclosed that about 23 people had died from the disease, while nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Specialist Hospital.
According to the government, suspected cases have also been reported in Jos South, Wase and Bassa Local Government Areas, raising concerns over the possible spread of the outbreak beyond the initially affected communities.
The closure order was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap.
Ramnap said Governor Caleb Mutfwang approved the closure following reports of suspected diphtheria cases across the affected local government areas.
She directed schools that had already resumed academic activities to comply with the shutdown from Monday.
The commissioner also appealed to school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to ensure that children remain at home throughout the period of the closure.
She said the measure was necessary to safeguard the health and wellbeing of pupils and students while government agencies worked to control the outbreak.
“The Government appreciates the understanding and full cooperation of all stakeholders as it continues to take appropriate measures in the best interest of the people of Plateau State,” Ramnap said.
Diphtheria is a highly infectious bacterial disease that can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact, making schools particularly vulnerable environments for transmission.
The latest development has therefore heightened concerns among parents and education stakeholders, particularly as the government has yet to announce a definite date for the reopening of schools.
Meanwhile, the health authorities are expected to sustain surveillance, case identification, treatment and other containment measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
The state government urged residents to cooperate with health officials and comply with preventive measures as efforts continue to bring the outbreak under control.
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