An Algerian man who disappeared at the age of 19 was found alive, astonishing his family and community.
Omar bin Omran, who went missing in 1998, is now 45 years old. He was discovered in a neighbor’s cellar just 650 feet away from his family’s home, as reported by Al Jazeera.
This discovery ended a 26-year-long mystery that began during the turbulent period of the Algerian civil war. Given the extended duration of his disappearance, some relatives had presumed him dead. However, his mother, who passed away in 2013, never lost hope that her son would be found alive.
The suspected captor, a 61-year-old man, was arrested at the scene after attempting to flee, according to the BBC. Algeria’s Ministry of Justice condemned the act as “heinous” and confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the circumstances surrounding bin Omran’s captivity.
Currently, Omar bin Omran is receiving comprehensive medical treatment for both physical and psychological trauma, as reported by the BBC. Remarkably, bin Omran revealed that over the past 26 years, he occasionally saw some of his family members but was unable to reach out for help. He claimed his captor had cast a “spell” on him, rendering him incapable of seeking assistance.
A man who went missing 27 years ago has been found in a cellar just 200 meters away from his family. Omar’s dog even reportedly sensed his presence, recognizing his scent. A 61-year-old man has been taken into custody.
The bizarre and tragic kidnapping came to light recently due to an alleged inheritance dispute between the suspect and his brother. The suspect’s brother posted incriminating information on social media, prompting the National Gendarmerie — responsible for police services in Algeria’s rural areas — to investigate further. This led to a search of the suspect’s house and the discovery of bin Omran.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation, raising questions about how such a prolonged and close-proximity captivity could go unnoticed.
