By Peace Erewunmi

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

The directive, announced on Saturday, September 5, 2026, will take effect from Monday, September 7, and applies to schools that have already resumed academic activities. They are to remain closed until further notice.

According to the state government, suspected cases have been reported in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Wase Local Government Areas.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap, said the closure was a precautionary measure aimed at protecting pupils, students, teachers and other school staff and preventing further transmission of the infection.

School proprietors, administrators and teachers have been directed to comply with the order, while parents and guardians have been advised to keep their children and wards at home throughout the closure.

The government said further information on the resumption of academic activities would be communicated to the public as the situation develops.

The closure comes amid growing concern over the suspected outbreak. Plateau’s Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, said 143 suspected cases and 23 deaths had been recorded as of September 3, with patients receiving treatment in health facilities in the state.