German Government Returns Looted Benin Bronzes To Nigeria

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has handed 22 artefacts looted in the 19th Century back to Nigeria at a ceremony in the capital, Abuja.
The return of this set of Benin Bronzes follows a deal made earlier this year to transfer ownership of more than 1,000 of these precious objects.

Recall that in July this year, Germany signed the declaration with Nigeria to release all 1,130 Benin Bronzes in German public museums.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, thanked the German government for doing the right thing by repatriating the stolen items.

He however reminded the German government that Nigeria is not only seeking the return of Benin Bronzes but all Nigerian antiquities that were illegally or illicitly exported.

”It is upon returning these artefacts that true justice will be seen to have been done.” he said

Mohammed also seized the opportunity to remind other countries with artifacts stolen from Nigeria to honorably return them.