The Plateau State Government has ordered the immediate temporary closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools across the state following suspected cases of diphtheria.
The directive, announced on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, takes effect from Monday and will remain in place until further notice.
According to Ramnap, the measure was introduced as a precautionary step to prevent the spread of the suspected infection, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
She said the directive applied to all schools, including those that had already resumed academic activities for the new term.
“Accordingly, schools that have already resumed academic activities are also directed to close from Monday, and remain closed until further notice,” she said.
The commissioner urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents and guardians to comply with the directive and ensure that pupils and students remain at home throughout the period.
She said the measure was aimed at protecting pupils, students, teaching and non-teaching staff while health authorities continued investigations and response efforts.
The closure comes amid growing concern over suspected diphtheria cases reported in parts of the state.
Health authorities have activated surveillance and response teams in the affected communities as part of efforts to monitor the situation and prevent further transmission.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact. Crowded environments such as schools can facilitate its transmission.
The state government said health workers were also expected to intensify contact tracing, vaccination efforts and other preventive measures in the affected areas.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and follow public health guidance as efforts continue to determine the extent of the suspected outbreak.
