Plateau Buses Make Face Masks Mandatory Amid Diphtheria Outbreak

Passengers using TinCity Metro buses in Plateau State must wear face masks starting Tuesday. This is part of efforts to control a diphtheria outbreak that has killed at least 23 people.

The management of Plateau Express Services Group, which runs the state-owned bus service, announced a "no face mask, no entry" rule in a statement on Monday.

This rule starts on Tuesday, 8 September, and will stay in place until further notice.

"The Management of Plateau Express Services Group has directed the enforcement of a 'No Face Mask, No Entry' policy on all TinCity Metro buses, effective Tuesday, 8th September 2026, until further notice," the statement said.

TinCity Metro buses operate throughout the Jos area and nearby local government areas like Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Bassa. They provide daily transport for residents in and around the state capital.

The management said some face masks would be available at certain boarding points to help with the new rule.

Still, they advised commuters to bring their own masks. They warned that the available masks might not be enough for everyone.

The company also asked passengers to follow the rules and cooperate with staff when getting on the buses.

"Management appreciates the understanding and cooperation of commuters as we work together to ensure a safer public transport environment," it said.

This rule comes as worries grow over the diphtheria outbreak in Plateau State. Health authorities have reported more suspected cases and deaths.

The state Commissioner for Health, Nicholas Baamlong, mentioned on Friday that 148 suspected cases have been recorded, with 23 deaths in the last two weeks.

Eight patients are being treated at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while five others are at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Mr Baamlong said.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that mainly spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact with infected people. This makes crowded public spaces a likely spot for the disease to spread.

The Plateau State Government has already put other measures in place to control the outbreak. These include temporarily closing public and private primary and secondary schools across the state.

The face-mask rule for TinCity Metro buses adds to the efforts to keep public transport safe, where thousands of residents travel daily between Jos and nearby communities.