An Australian college professor is amongst a bunch taken hostage within the highlands of Papua New Guinea, the nation’s prime minister stated on Monday.
Armed criminals had demanded money in return for releasing the captives, who included a couple of overseas citizen, police stated.
The professor is an archaeologist who works for an Australian college and was on a subject journey to Fogoma’iu village within the Mount Bosavi area, two sources with data of the incident advised Reuters. His companions — native researchers and a mission supervisor — had additionally been taken hostage, they stated.
Police stated in a press release that the hostages had been being held close to Fogoma’iu on the border of Southern Highlands and Hela provinces.
Prime Minister James Marape advised native reporters that police and the army had been on stand-by and that the federal government was working with missionaries who had been appearing as mediators.
“We wish these criminals to launch those that are held in captivity,” he stated in feedback broadcast on Australian ABC Tv.
The professor has not been publicly recognized due to the sensitivity of the scenario.
Deputy Police Commissioner Philip Mitna stated in a press release “various overseas residents are among the many group,” which included teachers and native guides. The criminals had come from Komo in Hela.
A police spokesperson advised Reuters that not all of the foreigners’ nationalities had been identified.
Australia’s Division of Overseas Affairs and Commerce didn't reply to requests for remark.
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