An Australian Professor and several Papuan researchers were recently taken hostage in Papua New Guinea. The group that has taken them hostage is demanding ransom money for their release. PNG Prime Minister James Marape has said the government is negotiating with the kidnappers, and he hopes to see them released “alive and safe”.
It is unknown when exactly the group was taken hostage, or how many people remain in captivity, though many sources in Australia have said 4-5 people remain hostages. Exact details haven’t been released much, with PM Marape highlighting the “sensitivity” of the situation.
PNG’s military remains on standby.
“But, in the first instance, we want those criminals to release those who are held in captivity. There is no place to run, there is no place to hide.” – PM Marape
