An Australian archeology professor among the hostages – Kidnappers initially demanded a million dollar ransom
and others were taken hostage by gunmen demanding ransom 20/02/2023 12:22 APE-MPE-Reuters-AFP Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 301 Greek
News Number: 26838225
A Australian university professor included in a group of people taken hostage in its highlands Papua New Guinea, according to the prime minister of the country.
Armed thugs demanded ransom in exchange for the release of their hostages, which include more than one foreign national, police said.
The professor is one archaeologist, who works for an Australian university and was visiting the village of Fogomaiu in the Mount Bosavi region, two sources told Reuters. His fellow travelers – local researchers and a program director – have also been caught, the sources added.
Also, the police announced that the hostages were kidnapped yesterday, Sunday, in the morning and are being held near Phogomaiou on the border of Southern Highlands and Hela provinces.
The kidnappers they initially demanded a ransom payment of one million dollars within 24 hours, but later reduced the amount they are asking for.
According to the prime minister James Marape, it is the first time such a ransom has been demanded. His government “takes this situation very seriously, we don’t want a precedent to be set,” he said.
According to the prime minister, the police and army are on high alert and the government is working with missionaries, who are acting as mediators.
“We want these criminals to release those they are holding captive,” the prime minister said in comments broadcast by Australia’s ABC television network.
The professor’s name was not released due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police Philip Mitna said in a statement that “a number of foreign nationals are included in the group,” which includes academics and local guides.
A police spokesman told Reuters the nationalities of all the hostages were not known.
Australia refused to comment publicly on the case, AFP notes. Canberra has previously said publicizing kidnappings can increase the risks faced by abductees.
Source :Skai
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