Nigeria makes progress in recovering looted Benin artefacts

Nigeria has recorded a breakthrough in the effort to recover artefacts looted during the 1897 Benin Expedition. A joint announcement by Cambridge University and Nigeria’s Commission for Museums and Monuments confirms the transfer of legal ownership, while physical returns are planned for the coming months. The move forms part of a wider push across Europe to address colonial-era collections.

CGTN Africa

Related story: Video - UK returns stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

Video - UK returns stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

A London museum is returning its collection of 72 Benin artefacts - the first institution in the UK to do so on such a scale. British soldiers stole thousands of artefacts in the late 19th century from the Kingdom of Benin, which is now in Nigeria. In recent years, museums in Germany, France and the US have repatriated artefacts looted during colonial wars.

Al Jazeera 

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Video - Returning the Benin Bronzes of Nigeria

The Benin Bronzes, arguably some of Africa’s priced treasures; looted from southern Nigeria's Benin Kingdom by European powers, have begun their long journey back home. Could this be a start of a process that could see the return of the remaining looted artifacts? We will find out in this week’s program. 

CGTN 

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Nigeria receives stolen artifacts repatriated from the U.S.