An Australian professor and three colleagues have been kidnapped while doing a field study in Papua New Guinea.

The four people are being held hostage, with the attackers seeking a large ransom for the captive’s release.

Global Directions Think Tank managing director Keith Suter told 6PR Afternoons it is an awful situation.

“It’s a frightful place,” said Mr Suter. 

Press PLAY below to hear why they were kidnapped