Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape yesterday confirmed that an unnamed Australian academic and 3 locals – a program coordinator and 2 university students – have been taken hostage in the nation’s remote Highlands region. According to the police report, the group was held up at gunpoint by 20 armed men, and a demand for $3.5 million kina ($1.4 million) has been made for their release. And there’s a lot that hasn’t been reported, like when it happened and the Aussie professor’s details. PM Marape says they “have been keeping this under close wraps because of the sensitivity” of the situation – he added yesterday that they are in contact with the criminals via missionaries who have lived in the area for a long time. Despite the secrecy, he says he’s “positive” and “optimistic” that the group will be released safely. The Department of Foreign Affairs has declined to issue an official comment, so tense times, it seems…