The discovery of Omar Bin Omran, who was kidnapped 26 years ago at the age of 19, has stunned Algeria. Found in a hay-covered cellar just 100 meters from his family home, Omran's rescue has captivated social media after a video of his liberation went viral.
Authorities in Djelfa state uncovered Omran's ordeal, revealing that he had been held captive by a 61-year-old neighbor, who has since been apprehended. The suspect, a civil servant believed to have lived alone, was arrested after attempting to flee.
Omran's family, who never abandoned hope, eventually alerted investigators after the suspect's sibling hinted at his involvement on social media. The re-opening of the missing person case by the National Gendarmerie led to the shocking discovery, as investigators found a hidden cellar beneath a hay-covered trapdoor in the suspect's sheep farm.
Tragically, Omran's mother, who never ceased to believe in her son's return, passed away in 2013. The family's suspicion was heightened when their dog, closely associated with Omran, was found dead, allegedly poisoned, after lingering around the neighbor's property.
Omran, who reportedly observed his family from a window in the cellar but felt unable to call out, has been taken to a medical center for treatment. Meanwhile, the suspect faces trial for his "heinous crime," according to the Djelfa Attorney General’s Office.
The case of Omar Bin Omran serves as a chilling reminder of the enduring hope and resilience of families affected by abduction, as well as the profound impact of such tragedies on communities.
