Massive explosion in Nigeria's Ibadan kills two, 77 others injured

At least two people were killed and 77 others were injured as a result of a massive explosion in Ibadan in the Nigerian state of Oyo at a private residence where explosives were being stored, Nigeria’s governor said on Wednesday.

The blast led to the collapse of several houses, causing panic among residents in Nigeria's third most populous city, and rescue and recovery efforts are currently underway in seven suburbs.

In a statement, the governor, Seyi Makinde, confirmed that there were two deaths while 77 people were treated for injuries, most of them being discharged, the BBC reported.

"Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast," Makinde added.

The explosion was heard in the state's capital of Ibadan, 130 km (80 miles) from Nigeria's commercial capital of Lagos.

Makinde said search and rescue operations were underway and the state government would provide temporary accommodation for those who lost their homes.

The cause of the blast is still unclear, but the authorities suspect that it may have been triggered by mining explosives stored in a house.

Photos and videos show buildings reduced to nearly rubble and vehicles destroyed by shells.

Police have promised a swift inquiry into the explosion.