In a startling discovery, an Algerian man who had been missing for 26 years has been found alive but held captive in his neighbour’s home. Identified only as Omar B., the man vanished at the age of 19 during the Algerian Civil War in 1998, leaving his family to presume he had been either kidnapped or killed. The recent turn of events unfolded in the city of Djelfa, where Omar B. was found just a few minutes’ walk away from his own home.
The shocking revelation came to light after the captor’s brother aired grievances on social media, reportedly due to an inheritance dispute. Omar B., now 45 years old, was discovered amid haystacks only about 200 meters away from his family’s residence. The alleged culprit, a 61-year-old doorman at the municipality in the nearby town of El Guedid, attempted to flee but was apprehended and taken into custody by authorities, according to the country’s justice ministry.
Algerian media reports revealed that the victim, Omar B., claimed he had been unable to call out for help “because of a spell that his captor had cast on him.” This disturbing detail adds a layer of complexity to the case, indicating possible psychological manipulation or coercion.
The justice ministry stated that the investigation into this harrowing incident is still ongoing. Meanwhile, Omar B. is receiving medical and psychological care after enduring what authorities described as a “heinous” crime.
The circumstances surrounding Omar B.’s disappearance and captivity for over two decades have shocked the local community and raised questions about the safety and well-being of individuals in their own neighborhoods. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and support networks in ensuring the welfare of vulnerable individuals, even within seemingly familiar surroundings.
Sources By Agencies
