Relief as Australian archaeologist kidnapped and held hostage by gunman in Papua New Guinea jungle is released after ‘covert operations’
- Australia-based academic freed from PNG kidnappers
- PNG says Bryce Barker was released for ‘covert operations’
- Three others released but $1.4 million ransom not paid
An Australian-based archaeologist and two Papua New Guineans have been released from captivity after being taken hostage by armed criminals in a remote part of PNG several days ago.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Sunday that all the hostages had been safely released.
“I appreciate the news from PNG that all the hostages have been released and will soon be reunited with their families,” he said on Twitter.
Twenty gunmen reportedly held academic Bryce Barker and the others hostage at gunpoint, according to a PNG police incident report.
Professor Barker is a New Zealand citizen but works at the University of South Queensland.
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea tweeted this photo of released Australian academic Bryce Barker (pictured left)
The highly respected and experienced archaeologist and his research team were conducting fieldwork in PNG’s remote Southern Highlands province when they were taken hostage by the armed group.
PNG authorities confirmed the release of a hostage on Friday.
The last three hostages, the professor and two women from PNG, have now been safely released.
PNG Prime Minister James Marape said the last three hostages were seized “through covert operations” without paying the ransom of 3.5 million kina ($1.4 million).
‘For criminals, there is no profit in crime,’ he wrote on Facebook.
The armed group that took Professor Barker (pictured) and others hostage in the remote Southern Highlands of PNG had demanded a $1.4 million ransom for their release.
He thanked all the officials involved in the operation.
The Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland expressed relief and thanked the governments of PNG, Australia and New Zealand.
“We are relieved to learn that our dear colleague from the University of South Queensland, Professor Bryce Barker, has been released today,” Geraldine Mackenzie said on Sunday.
He described Professor Barker as a valued colleague who had many years of experience conducting research in PNG.
Professor Barker (pictured centre left) and his team were doing field work in the remote Southern Highlands when they were abducted.
“Our deepest thanks to the governments of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, and to the many people who worked tirelessly during this extremely difficult and sensitive time to secure their release,” said Professor Mackenzie.
Senator Wong thanked the PNG government for its leadership in ensuring a safe and peaceful resolution.
“Also thanks to the Australian and New Zealand officials who helped support this result,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also thanked the PNG government for its leadership in securing the release of the hostages.
“We are very happy that the hostage situation is resolved and we are relieved for the hostages and their whānau (family),” he said.
