An Australian academic is one of five researchers who have been taken hostage by an armed group in a remote part of Papua New Guinea.
The group was doing fieldwork in remote Papua New Guinea when he was held at gunpoint by 20 men.
His captors are asking for $1.4 million dollars.
Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape confirmed in a press conference several people, including an Australian, had been taken hostage.
“Unfortunately as of last night one Australian as well as a couple of Papua New Guineans were taken hostage in the middle of the Southern Highlands,” Marape said.
“We have been keeping this under close wrap because of the sensitivity and the need for us to get our friends who have been captured get them alive and safe.
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“The government for the last 18 or so hours have kept this to ourselves.”
Marape confirmed negotiations are underway and he is “prayerful” he will get them out.
“I want to inform the families of those taken hostage that we have been at work and contact has been made with people in the bush through secondary sources,” he said.
“We’re treating this very very diligently and carefully because lives are at risk and life is at stake.”
9news.com.au contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
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