Accompanied by heavy applauses and handshakes, on Tuesday,
11th January, 2023, the Germany government handed back over 22 Benin
Bronzes that were stolen from Nigeria.
The artefacts have found their way back to Nigeria 125 years
after being stolen by Germany government during colonial era. It is one of the
many ways that colonialists are trying to right their wrongs.
“We are here to return the Benin Bronzes to the people of Nigeria”,
said Annalena Baerbock, Germany’s Foreign Minister during the handover ceremony
that was held in Nigerian capital city, Abuja.
“we are here to right a wrong, officials from my country
once bought the bronzes knowing that
they knew have been stolen,,,,” she continued.
There are almost 1130 bronzes in Germany that were stolen
from Nigeria and are all expected to be returned. The two countries signed the
agreement in Berlin.
The Germany Foreign Minister however said that some bronzes
will still remain in her country on loan for the world to appreciate Nigerian
culture.
