Algerian authorities have discovered a man who had been missing for 26 years in a neighbouring residence, mere minutes away from his family home. Named as Omar Bin Omran, the man disappeared during the Algerian Civil War in 1998 when he was just 19 years old.
Omar B. had vanished without a trace in 1998, leaving his family in anguish and uncertainty. For over two decades, his fate remained unknown, with his family left to deal with the haunting possibility that he had been kidnapped or killed during the civil unrest.
However, on 12 May, 2024, the truth emerged in a most curious manner. Acting on a tip from the alleged captor’s brother, who shared grievances on social media amidst an inheritance dispute, authorities found a residence shockingly close to Omar’s family home.
Algerian Authorities’ Discovery
Hidden beneath haystacks, Omar B. was found alive and imprisoned in a makeshift cellar. The alleged captor, a 61-year-old municipal doorman named BA, was taken into custody after attempting to flee the scene. The details of Omar’s captivity are disturbing, with Algerian media reporting that he claimed to have been unable to call out for help due to a spell cast upon him by his captor.
Video footage captured the moment of Omar’s rescue, showing him emerging from the underground spot, his face displaying a mixture of confusion and relief. Reports indicate that he was found in a state of distress, visibly shaken by his long captivity.
Algerian Man Found Alive in Neighbor’s Cellar After 27 Years.
In 1997, 17-year-old Omar Bin Omran, one of nine children, went missing while on his way to a vocational school in the city of Djelfa. A search was initiated involving the family’s dog, which was allegedly poisoned by… pic.twitter.com/mHPBh5Go0A
— BoreCure (@CureBore) May 15, 2024
Calls for Justice
The discovery has sent waves throughout Algeria, prompting calls for justice. The Algerian Ministry of Justice has promised to pursue the case with utmost severity and hold the perpetrator accountable for what they described as a “heinous crime.”
Meanwhile, Omar is receiving much-needed medical and psychological care as he begins the long journey toward recovery.
Family’s Response
For Omar’s family, the revelation has brought both relief and heartache. Tragically, his mother passed away in 2013, never knowing the fate of her son. According to the New York Post, while other family members believed he was dead, Omar’s mother felt that he was alive and wished for a search to continue.
