Three Australians kidnapped in Papua New Guinea

Negotiations are underway after three Australians were abducted deep in the Papua New Guinea wilderness.

Three Australians have been abducted while conducting fieldwork in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea.

An Australian academic, together with a Papua New Guinean program co-ordinator and two local graduates from the University of PNG, were reportedly taken hostage by an armed group.

According to Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, there have been ongoing negotiations between the authorities and the kidnappers, who are reportedly holding the hostages in a remote area.

Mr Marape emphasised his government has been working behind the scenes, with police and military forces ready to assist the safe release of the hostages.

“I just 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,” he said.

“We‘ve got police and military on standby to assist. But, in the first instance, we want those criminals to release those who are held in captivity.

“We have been keeping this under close wraps because of the sensitivity and the need for us to get our friends [who were] captured, get them alive and safe.”

Negotiations are underway after three Australians were abducted deep in the Papua New Guinea wilderness.

Despite the sensitive nature of the situation, Mr. Marape acknowledged that progress has been made in the negotiations, thanks in part to the efforts of local missionaries acting as intermediaries.

According to reports, the abductees have been in contact with the outside world via satellite phone.

Mr Marape expressed cautious optimism that the hostages will be released unharmed, noting that non-criminal villagers have also been assisting with the negotiations.

Although the group initially took local guides captive as well, they have since been released.

A spokesman for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said: “As with all suspected kidnapping cases, the welfare and safety of the individual is the Australian Government’s primary concern.”