Advertisement

President Muhammadu Buharu’s government has asked Britain to return artefacts it looted from Nigeria.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stated this in London after a meeting with the officials of the British Museum.

Advertisement

“Before now, they said we did not make a demand. But in October last year, almost nine months ago, we made a formal request for the return of the artefacts, especially the Benin bronzes, for which we have not got any response,” the minister said.

Noting that Germany returned 1,130 Benin bronzes, Mr Mohammed said, “We also made it clear to them that they cannot hide under the legislation, and no act of parliament will make what you (British government) have stolen to become yours.”

He noted that countries like France, Belgium, and Germany were returning artefacts in their countries, while Canada had also promised to do so.

Advertisement

Mr Mohammed, however, said they would not rest until Britain did the right thing by returning what they looted from the country a century back.

The artefacts, mostly Benin bronzes, were looted by British soldiers when they occupied Benin city in 1887.

(NAN)

Disclaimer

Contents provided and/or opinions expressed here do not reflect the opinions of The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine or any employee thereof.

Advertisement

Support The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

It takes a lot to get credible, true and reliable stories.

As a privately owned media outfit, we believe in setting the pace and leaving strides in time.

If you like what we do, you can donate a token to us here. Your support will ensure that the right news is put out there at all times, reaching an unlimited number of persons at no cost to them.

Donate!