Nigeria: several dead in petrol station explosion

At least six people have been burnt to death in an explosion at a petrol station in the northern Nigerian state of Jigawa, local media reported.

Reports say some of the victims were sleeping in a small mosque within the gas station in the town of Marke when the fire broke out and engulfed the building.

Some witnesses say a gas cylinder exploded at the petrol station igniting huge flames.

Regional police spokesman Lawan Shiisu Adam says the incident happened late on Monday evening – and that the victims were aged between 15 and 35.

Authorities say they are investigating the matter.