For decades, a veil of sorrow has darkened the family in Djelfa, Algeria. In 1997, at the peak of the Algerian civil war, Omar Bin Omran, 15, disappeared – and was considered dead by his family. In reality, in 2013, when his mother died – also without revealing the truth – her son was alive. For about 30 years, Omar was in a dark cell just 100 meters from the parental home. A few meters below the ground.
This is Omar’s story, the agonizing trajectory of perseverance peppered with unanswered questions which was unraveled on May 12, 2024, after Officer discovered him in the neighbor’s cellar. The 44-year-old was found hiding in a makeshift pen covered with hay, far from the life for which he had been robbed.
“Omar’s health is good, all things considered, “shared Omar’s cousin Khaled Reggab, “but he is obviously having a hard time acclimatizing to life outside once more.” Reintegration after lengthy periods of captivity can be particularly difficult, according to experts. These are depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and difficulties in forming new relationships.
The discovery sent shockwaves through the Djelfa community. The suspect, a 61-year-old neighbor, was promptly arrested. A haunting detail emerged – for the first two weeks after Omar’s disappearance, his loyal dog reportedly waited outside the suspect’s house. Reggab alleges the dog was killed, possibly to prevent it from drawing attention.
A man missing since for almost 30 years was found captive in his neighbor’s underground pit under hay in Algeria 👀
pic.twitter.com/5Gt9196c7d— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 17, 2024
The motive behind this horrific act remains unclear. Authorities haven’t released any details about the suspect’s past or possible connection to Omar.
Ultimately, Omar’s case will show horrifying similarities and great disparities with others. Just like Jaycee Dugard who also lost her youth to their captors of more than a decade, the Cleveland kids were held in a house? Omar was kept in a place out of sight, away from the sun and the fresh air.
Further questions include what did Omar endure during his one or two years of captivity? Will Omar overcome his crime comfortably? Will Omar and the older sibling ever have a close investigation?
As Omar embarks on a long journey of healing, one thing remains certain – his story serves as a stark reminder of the enduring human spirit and the enduring scars inflicted by violence.
