LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Protesters in Nigeria disrupted the soft launch of a new, state-backed museum in the country’s south ahead of its scheduled opening this week, saying it was a violation of Benin City's cultural heritage, which falls under the authority of its traditional ruler.

Videos circulating online show more than a dozen young people on Sunday evening rushing the grounds of the multi-million dollar Museum of West African Arts in Benin City, the seat of a famous pre-colonial empire.

They chanted in support of Oba of Benin, the city's traditional ruler. Guests, including foreigners, were whisked away from the event. No one was reported hurt.

The museum, which is to officially open on Tuesday, was meant to house some of the ancient Benin Bronzes — artifacts that were looted from

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