Toowoomba professor Bryce Barker and colleagues freed by PNG jungle gang

A UniSQ Toowoomba professor and his colleagues have been freed after they were taken hostage by a gang in a remote part of Papua New Guinea.

Archaeologist Professor Bryce Barker, from USQ.

UniSQ Toowoomba professor Bryce Barker has been released after he was taken hostage with others in remote parts of Papua New Guinea.

Professor Barker and three of his colleagues spent more than a week in captivity after being captured by a criminal gang on the border of the Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.

The Australian resident and New Zealand citizen was taken by armed men alongside Cathy Alex, Jemina Haro and Teppsy Beni.

The three were released on Sunday, February 26, after extensive negotiations between local police, defence, and the Australian and New Zealand governments.

University of Southern Queensland vice-chancellor professor Geraldine Mackenzie confirmed that Professor Barker had been released.

“We are relieved to confirm that our much-loved colleague… has been released today,” she said.

“Bryce is a highly regarded archaeologist and a valued colleague at the University of Southern Queensland and in the wider archaeological community.”

Professor Mackenzie said he had years of research experience in PNG.

“Our deepest thanks go to the governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and the many people who worked tirelessly during this extremely difficult and sensitive time to secure their release,” she said.

“We ask you to respect the privacy of Professor Barker and the other team members, their families and colleagues during this time.”

In a media conference last Monday, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape broke the news about the kidnapping and ransom demand.

Last week Police Commissioner David Manning said it was understood the criminals sighted the men being held by chance and took them into the bush.

“These are opportunists that have obviously not thought this situation through before they acted, and have been asking for cash to be paid,” he said.