Release academics, O’Neill urges group

IALIBU-Pangia MP Peter O’Neill has appealed to armed men holding hostage a group of “visitors” in a remote highlands area to release them because “it is against our Melanesian culture.”
“I appeal to the people holding them hostage to release them immediately,” O’Neill said.
“Your actions are absolutely against our customs and beliefs as people of Melanesia. We as tribal people have always resolved our differences within our communities.
“We are (always) generous and helpful to our visitors. Your actions are damaging to our people, society and our country.”
According to police, the armed men are holding hostage a group of anthropologist academics, students and local guides near Fogomai’iu village at the border of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western.
They were taken hostage in the early hours of Sunday.
O’Neill added: “Those people that you are holding captive have families and loved ones who care and want for their safe return.
“We all make bad decisions without giving proper thought. And this I think is one of those decisions. Please release them without harm and I thank each one of you for listening.”
It is understood that Australian citizen and archeologist Bryce Barker was kidnapped with others.