British explorer Benedict Allen has brushed aside claims by international media that he was kidnapped by a tribe in Papua New Guinea.
In a media conference today, to clear the air on his alleged disappearance, the 57-year-old explorer spoke highly of how Papua New Guineans treated him.
Allen left Port Moresby on Sept 26 for East Sepik Province (ESP) and then took a chopper from Wewak to the border of ESP and Enga.
The 57-year-old was travelling on his own to try to find the reclusive Yaifo tribe that he first met 30 years ago.
However, on his way he was infected with dengue fever and malaria.
His non-contact with his wife back home in England has brought up claims from the international media that he was being kidnapped or gone missing.
However, Allen stressed that nothing of such would have happened to him.
“There is nothing as primitive or cannibalistic, as described by international media, about these people.
“I am challenging those coming up with speculations to come to PNG and experience for themselves rather than be intimidated by hearsay.”
Allen described the people of PNG as friendly and kind compared to other countries.
He explained that due to his illness, he could not make it on time to fly to Hong Kong to make a presentation on a Summit.