Nigeria has taken delivery from the Netherlands of 119 pieces of priceless “Benin Bronze” artefacts looted more than 120 years ago, the country’s museum commission and the Dutch embassy said June 18.

It is the latest return of artefacts to Africa, as pressure mounts on Western governments and institutions to hand back the spoils of colonial oppression.

“On this historic occasion it gives us great joy to finally welcome the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands,” said Mr Olugbile Holloway, director-general of Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

“This represents the largest physical return to Nigeria and the people of Benin since the looting of the Benin Royal Palace by the British in 1897,” he said in a statement jointly issued with the Dutch embassy in Nigeria.

“The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria,” added Mr Holloway.

The story of the Benin Bronzes is one of violence and tragedy. It began when nine British officers were killed on a trade mission to the then-independent kingdom of Benin, in the south of present-day Nigeria.

The British reaction was fierce. London deployed a military expedition to avenge its officers.

The troops killed several thousand locals and torched Benin’s capital city. They looted the royal palace, stealing hundreds of artworks, including the Benin Bronzes.

Most of the ornate bronzes were then sold to finance the expedition, auctioned off or sold to museums across Europe and the United States.

This was in 1897, and 128 years later, Nigeria is still negotiating the return of the bronzes around the world – with mixed results.

Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Dewi van de Weerd hailed Nigeria for persistently campaigning for the return of the cultural artefacts.

“We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums,” said Ms van de Weerd in the joint statement.

Of the 119 objects, 113 were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the Rotterdam municipality returned the other six. The pieces will be officially handed over on June 21.

The Israeli missiles has reportedly struck Iran’s state television headquarters on Monday while a live news broadcast was underway.

The development sent shockwaves through the studio and caused the immediate stoppage of the broadcast.

A viral video circulating on social media and reposted by Daily Iran Military shows the moment chaos erupted during a live transmission.

A visibly shaken female anchor was delivering the news when a thunderous explosion rattled the studio.Thick smoke and falling debris forced her to flee her desk mid-broadcast.

It was earlier reported that at least eight people were killed on Saturday night when Iranian aerial strikes on Israel.

The deceased included four children, with more than 200 others injured, according to Israel’s Foreign Ministry.

The barrage came in retaliation for Israel’s surprise strike early Friday on Iran’s nuclear programme.

According to Israeli officials, that operation killed several nuclear scientists and high-ranking military leaders.

Meanwhile, a fresh report by SBM Intelligence has warned that the conflict between Israel and Iran could lead to an increase in fuel prices in Nigeria.

The report attributed this to the fact that Nigeria still relies heavily on importing fuel to meet local demand.

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The aircraft went down at approximately 5:30 AM in the rugged Himalayan region, known for its treacherous weather and difficult flying conditions.

All Passengers on Board confirmed Dead as another aircraft crashes in India, Just three days after the fatal Air India crash in Ahmedabad, India has been hit by another aviation tragedy.

A Bell 407 helicopter crashed early Sunday morning in Gaurikund, a remote area of Uttarakhand, killing all seven people on board, including the pilot.

The aircraft went down at approximately 5:30 AM in the rugged Himalayan region, known for its treacherous weather and difficult flying conditions.

According to preliminary reports from Indian media, the helicopter was carrying five adult passengers, one infant, and the pilot at the time of the crash.

Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the crash site to conduct recovery operations. As of now, authorities have not released the names of the victims, pending notification of their families.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not yet commented on whether mechanical failure, weather conditions, or other factors may have played a role.

Uttarakhand has a history of aviation accidents, with mountainous terrain and unpredictable climate frequently cited as challenges for pilots operating in the region.

Sunday’s incident adds to a week of national mourning and concern over air safety in India, following the Ahmedabad air disaster earlier this week.

Aviation authorities are expected to review safety protocols and initiate a thorough investigation into both incidents.

More details are expected to emerge as recovery efforts and investigations continue.