By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has reiterated its resolve to strengthen collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and other humanitarian partners to enhance the protection, dignity, and well-being of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.

The agency gave the assurance weekend during a joint coordination tour with IOM officials in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.

The Information Officer of BSEMA, Tema Ager in a statement disclosed that the visit was aimed at assessing ongoing interventions in “food distribution, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services for displaced persons.”

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management/BSEMA, Sir James Iorpuu,  represented by the Programme Manager for IDPs Operations, Orseer Zege commended IOM for its proposed construction of a water reticulation plant that would treat raw water from the Naka Dam to international standards for safe drinking.

He noted that the new facility would complement the existing treatment plant established by the Victims Support Fund (VSF), describing the planned project as “a critical intervention that will significantly improve access to clean and safe water for IDPs and their host communities.”

The Permanent Secretary further reaffirmed BSEMA’s commitment to supporting partners in implementing durable solutions for displaced persons, including “safe and dignified return, resettlement, and reintegration.”

He stressed that the Agency remains focused on strengthening coordination to ensure better humanitarian outcomes.

The Head of IOM Sub-Office in Makurdi, Mediatrice Berangayo, who led a team of engineers to the site, said the project was designed to guarantee safe, adequate, and equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services for vulnerable populations.

She commended BSEMA and the Gwer West Local Government Council for their continuous efforts in addressing the needs of displaced communities, noting that improved water supply remained a critical component of humanitarian support.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Titus Ormin pledged the council’s readiness to provide land for the construction of the water treatment plant. He assured that his administration would continue to work closely with both BSEMA and IOM to improve the living conditions of residents and displaced persons in the area.