Fact Check: The Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Artifacts to Nigeria in Historic Repatriation
What We Know
On a recent occasion, the Netherlands returned 119 artifacts to Nigeria, which were looted during the late 19th century by British soldiers. These artifacts, known as the Benin Bronzes, include a variety of items such as human and animal figures, plaques, royal regalia, and a bell. They were primarily housed in the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, Netherlands (AP News). The return of these artifacts was facilitated by a request from Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and is considered the largest single repatriation of Benin antiquities to date (AP News, BBC).
The Benin Bronzes were taken during the 1897 sacking of Benin City, which was a significant event in the history of colonialism in Nigeria. The artifacts are of great cultural and historical importance to the people of Benin and Nigeria as a whole (AP News, Euronews).
Analysis
The claim that the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts to Nigeria is supported by multiple reputable sources, including the Associated Press and BBC News. The AP News article details the handover ceremony in Edo State, where the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, referred to the return as a “divine intervention” (AP News). This sentiment reflects the cultural significance of the artifacts and the long-standing impact of their theft on the local community.
The Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science, Eppo Bruins, emphasized the importance of this return as a step towards addressing historical injustices associated with colonialism (BBC). The NCMM's director, Olugbile Holloway, also noted that this repatriation sets a precedent for future returns of looted artifacts (Euronews).
In terms of source reliability, the Associated Press and BBC are both well-established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards. Their coverage of the event includes direct quotes from officials involved in the repatriation process, providing a reliable account of the facts surrounding the return of the artifacts.
Conclusion
The claim that the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts to Nigeria is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the details of the repatriation, including the historical context of the artifacts, the involvement of Nigerian authorities, and the significance of this event in the ongoing discourse around colonial restitution.
Sources
- Netherlands returns 119 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria - AP News
- Netherlands returns 119 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria | AP News - AP News
- Netherlands to return stolen Benin Bronzes to Nigeria - BBC News
- Netherlands returns 119 looted artifacts known as Benin Bronzes to Nigeria - ABC News
- Netherlands returns more than 100 Benin Bronzes looted from Nigeria - Euronews
- Netherlands Returns 119 Benin Bronzes To Nigeria In Landmark Repatriation Agreement - Artnet News
