For many people living in displacement, the loss of home can bring uncertainty, hardship and a sense that life has been placed on hold. However, for Barnabas, displacement became a chapter in his life that strengthened his determination to keep moving forward and, ultimately, gave him an even deeper understanding of what it means to serve others.
Barnabas’ journey into displacement began on 11 November 2014. At the age of 23, he was forced to flee his ancestral home in Tse Taavaan, Mbaduem Council Ward, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, following an attack on his community. The violence claimed the life of his brother, Amos Uorayev, and forced Barnabas, his mother, and other surviving members of the family to flee in search of safety. Their journey led them to Ichwa Primary School in Makurdi, where they sought refuge alongside other displaced families. When relative normalcy returned in 2018, Barnabas and his family made the difficult decision to return to their village and attempt to rebuild their lives. But the peace they hoped for did not last. Once again, they were forced to flee.
This time, they sought refuge at Roman Catholic Mission Primary School in Daudu, Guma LGA, before moving into Daudu IDP Camp 1, Today, following improved security conditions that have made return possible, Barnabas has returned and now lives in Umenger Community. Even in the midst of displacement, Barnabas refused to allow his circumstances to define the limits of his future. Those who knew him in the camp remember him as someone who remained active and committed to supporting the people around him. In 2021, Barnabas became a beneficiary of a skills acquisition programme, where he received training in welding and fabrication. He embraced the opportunity, developing skills that could help him become more self-reliant while continuing to support others within the camp.
Today, Barnabas’ journey has taken on another meaningful dimension. As an internally displaced person himself, he now works with Caritas Nigeria as a Community-Based Protection Assistant (CBPA), supporting humanitarian and protection activities for displaced populations. For Barnabas, this is more than a job. It is an opportunity to serve people whose experiences he understands because he has lived through many of the same challenges himself.
He understands what it means to be forced to flee your home. He understands the uncertainty of not knowing when or whether you will be able to return home. Because of this lived experience, Barnabas is able to relate closely with the people he serves. For many members of the displaced community, speaking with someone who understands their situation from personal experience creates an important connection of trust and understanding. Barnabas still lives in the IDP camp. Yet, each day, he also goes out as a Caritas Nigeria staff member to support other displaced persons.
At Caritas Nigeria, every person is valued for their human dignity and worth. Service is not defined by where a person comes from or the hardships they have endured, but by the abilities, commitment, and willingness they bring to making a difference in the lives of others. Barnabas’ story is a powerful reflection of this belief: that displacement does not take away a person’s human dignity, potential, or capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
From displacement to service, Barnabas’ journey continues to prove that even in the most difficult circumstances, hope can survive, and sometimes it can grow into the power to help others.
From Displacement to Service, Barnabas’ Journey of Resilience and Hope
