Timika, C Papua, Aug. 19 -- Mimika District Police in Central Papua Province are investigating reports that an armed group allegedly abducted nine female civilians in Jila Subdistrict as authorities seek witnesses or other evidence confirming the incident.

Mimika Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Alredo Agustinus Rumbiak said residents reported the alleged abduction to officers at the Jila police station.

Speaking in Timika on Wednesday, Alredo said police had yet to obtain direct testimony from residents who witnessed the alleged abduction.

"According to my officers at the Jila police station, residents reported it," he said.

Alredo said police also had no information identifying the alleged victims or witnesses who directly s...