Several researchers, including an Australian professor of archaeology, have been taken hostage by a group of armed men in Papua New Guinea.
The researchers were on a study trip in the remote highland area of Papua New Guinea (PNG) when they were kidnapped at gunpoint.
According to PNG officials, a ransom has been demanded in exchange for their release.
PNG Prime Minister, James Marape, told local media that authorities were in contact with the kidnappers and hoped to negotiate the release of the hostages.
‘I’m confident, I’m optimistic, I’m prayerful that we get them out’, he said.
In the event the kidnappers refuse to comply with authorities, the prime minister said, police and the military were on stand-by.
‘There is no place to run, there is no place to hide’, he warned.
The BBC reports that initially a larger group was taken captive, however, some local guides have since been released.
Although it is not clear exactly how many hostages remain, the consensus among Australian news outlets puts the number at 4 or 5.
It is unclear when the researchers were captured.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is yet to comment.
[Photo: Wikimedia Commons]
