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.
The government said the decision was a precautionary measure to protect pupils, students, teachers and other school staff from possible transmission of the suspected infection, particularly in Jos North, Wase, Jos South and Bassa Local Government Areas.
Ramnap said the directive applies to all schools across the state, including institutions that had already resumed academic activities for the new term.
She directed school proprietors, administrators and teachers to comply with the order and urged parents and guardians to ensure their children remain at home until further notice.
According to the commissioner, the temporary closure is intended to give health authorities more room to investigate the suspected outbreak and strengthen measures to prevent further spread.
The development has raised concern among residents as suspected diphtheria cases have been reported in parts of Plateau State. Health authorities have responded by activating surveillance and response teams in affected communities to monitor the situation and contain possible transmission.
Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection that can spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact with an infected person. Crowded environments such as schools can increase the risk of transmission.
As part of the response, health workers are expected to intensify surveillance, contact tracing, vaccination and other preventive measures in affected communities.
The state government has urged residents to remain vigilant, observe public health guidance and promptly seek medical attention if they develop symptoms associated with the infection.
The school closure will remain in effect until further notice as authorities continue investigations and assess the situation across the state.
