London Museum Says It Will Return 72 Benin Artifacts Back To Nigeria After British Forces Stole Them In 1897

A London museum will finally give back Benin artifacts that were stolen by British forces in 1897.

Stolen by British soldiers back in 1897, 72 Benin treasures and artifacts are finally going to be returned to Nigeria after the soldiers gave them to the Horniman museum. The museum’s board of trustees unanimously voted on the transfer of the items, The Guardian reports.

During a raid on Benin, British forces looted about 10,000 objects, which are now being held captive in 165 museums and several private collections around the world, the news outlet reports. The Horniman is reportedly now the first government-funded insinuation to give back precious items stolen by British forces.

Last week, Oxford and Cambridge Universities claimed they planned to return more than 200 between them, The Guardian reports.

“The evidence is very clear that these objects were acquired through force, and external consultation supported our view that it is both moral and appropriate to return their ownership to Nigeria,” said Eve Salomon, Chair of Horniman museum.