Plateau Government Shuts Schools Over Diphtheria Outbreak

The Plateau State Government has ordered the temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following an outbreak of diphtheria.

The directive, contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, takes effect from Monday, September 7, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.

The government said the decision followed reports of suspected diphtheria cases in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas, with the aim of preventing further transmission of the highly infectious disease among schoolchildren.

The development comes days after the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, disclosed that about 23 people had died from suspected diphtheria complications. He added that nine patients were receiving treatment at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital.

Governor Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang directed that schools that had already resumed must also close from Monday. Proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians were urged to ensure that pupils and students remain at home throughout the period.

The state government said it was intensifying measures to contain the outbreak and protect residents from further infection.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe breathing difficulties, heart complications and death, particularly when treatment is delayed.