Algerian man missing for 27 years found alive in basement

An Algerian man thought to have died in his country’s civil war has been found after 27 years, revealing he was kidnapped by a neighbour.

Omar bin Omran disappeared in 1998 while he was 17 years old. His family believed he had perished in the war.

Reports indicate Omar was abducted while en route to school in Djelfa. His disappearance coincided with the civil conflict between the Algerian government and Islamic rebel groups that spanned from 1990 to 2000, leading his family to assume he had fallen victim to the war.

The case took a dramatic turn recently when the brother of Omar’s kidnapper, embroiled in a family inheritance dispute, disclosed Omar’s existence. This revelation led to a significant rescue operation yesterday, finally freeing Omar.

Police discovered Omar, now 45 years old, confined in a small basement within a sheep pen, a mere 200 metres from his home. His abductor, a 61 year old civil servant living alone, is under investigation to uncover the motives behind the kidnapping.

Local media reported that during Omar’s captivity, his dog detected his scent in the neighbour’s house. The neighbour, fearful of exposure, poisoned the dog to keep Omar’s location secret.

Djelfa’s public prosecutor stated they received crucial information about Omar’s whereabouts a few days ago, leading to his rescue. The reasons behind Omar’s prolonged captivity remain under investigation. Algerian media cited that the kidnapper allegedly used hypnosis to control Omar, preventing him from seeking help for years.

Tragically, Omar’s mother passed away in 2013, never knowing her son was alive and held captive by their neighbour. Omar learned of his mother’s death while still imprisoned, adding to his suffering, reported Sanook.

The Algerian judiciary has vowed to thoroughly investigate this case and ensure severe penalties for the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Omar is receiving psychological care to help him recover from his harrowing ordeal.

In related news, the Thai police force delivered a decisive blow to a notorious kidnapping ring and murder gang with the recent arrest of three key suspects.