Papua New Guinea police are investigating reports that followers of a cult have murdered seven people in a remote part of the country.

Madang Police Superintendant Anthony Wagambie Jr says he has sent officers to the Bogia region to calm the situation and investigate the sketchy reports that followers of a cargo cult carried out the murders.

"We have received reports that it's quite a big movement. A lot of people involved," he said.

He says the motivation behind the murders is not clear.

Cargo cults have a long history in PNG and often revolve around the use of magic rituals to obtain modern manufactured goods - referred to as cargo.

Police say the killings are not connected to the general election that is underway around the country, but polling in the area has been suspended.