In 1897, a British Military force looted thousands of metal sculptures and ivory carvings from Western Africa's Kingdom of Benin from Edo State which is now part of southern Nigeria. They have been regarded amongst the greatest work of Africa.
Emphasising the rich Indian culture and traditions, Prime Minister in his monthly address to the nation said that the World Heritage Week provides a wonderful opportunity to the lovers of culture to revisit the past and to know about the history of these important milestones.
The artefacts include centuries-old stone sculptures, idols, stone pillars, wooden artefacts, 'Vahanas' or ritual vehicles, and other antiquities. They have been lying in the premises of CBI-CID's Economic Offences Wing in Chennai.