The Nigerian government has reclaimed 31 stolen Benin Bronze models from three U.S. Museums after 125 years.

The 29 Benin Bronze artifacts were returned by the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, one from the National Gallery of Art, and another from the Rhode Island School of Design Museum.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, the Director General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Professor Abba Tijjani, and the representative of the Oba of Benin, Aghatise Erediauwa witnessed the transfer of the artifacts at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

In his remarks, Lai Mohammed said the bronze works were intrinsic to the culture that produced them and that a people ought not be denied the works of their forebears.