By Dominic Giannini in Canberra
AN Australian archaeologist has been taken hostage in a remote area of Papua New Guinea, with the armed gunmen demanding a ransom.
The man was reportedly held at gunpoint by 20 armed men, according to a PNG police incident report.
Three university students and four guides have also reportedly been taken hostage.
The gunmen have demanded $3.5 million kina ($A1.4 million) to be paid within 24 hours by the PNG and Australian governments.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape confirmed the reports, saying contact had been made.
“I want to inform the families of those taken hostage we’ve been at work,” he told reporters in Port Moresby on Monday.
“Contact has been made with people in the bush through secondary sources.
“They have indicated ransom. We do not encourage ransom, but we’re treating this very diligently and carefully because life is at risk and life is at stake.”
The professor’s university declined to comment.
The police report says lethal force is to be used against armed criminals as a last option.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the national police force, have been contacted for comment.
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