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An Australian archaeologist has been taken hostage in a distant space of Papua New Guinea, with armed gunmen demanding a ransom.
The person was reportedly held at gunpoint by 20 armed males, in accordance with a PNG police incident report.
Three college college students and 4 guides have additionally reportedly been taken hostage.
The gunmen have demanded $3.5 million kina ($A1.four million) to be paid inside 24 hours by the PNG and Australian governments.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the experiences, saying contact had been made.
“I wish to inform the households of these taken hostage we have been at work,” he instructed reporters in Port Moresby on Monday.
“Contact has been made with individuals within the bush by means of secondary sources.
“They’ve indicated ransom. We don’t encourage ransom, however we’re treating this very diligently and punctiliously as a result of life is in danger and life is at stake.”
The professor’s college declined to remark.
The police report says deadly power is for use in opposition to armed criminals as a final possibility.
The Division of International Affairs and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the nationwide police power, have been contacted for remark.
– AAP
