London Museum Returns Looted Benin Artifacts to Nigeria

A small London Museum in south-east London has started the official process of returning looted Benin artifacts to Nigeria.

The Horniman Museum contains a collection of 72 treasured items that were taken by force from Benin City in 1897. These collections are officially been handed over to the Nigerian governments on Monday.

The Horniman said that returning these artifacts is “Moral and appropriate.” This is after a request was made from Nigeria National Commission for museum and monuments.

There are however still some questions about the thousands of items that are held at large institutions globally. And this includes British Museums, will they ever be sent back?

The six object that were sent back from the London Museum includes two Benin Bronze plaques. This was taken from the royal palace. They have been handed over to the Nigerian officials at the ceremony marking the transfer of ownership of 72 looted items.