Nigerian church collapse kills 'at least 160' worshippers during bishop ordination

The roof of a crowded church in southern Nigeria has collapsed, killing at least 160 people, a hospital director says.

Etete Peters, from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, said mortuaries were overflowing and the death toll would likely rise.

Youth leader Edikan Peters said many other victims were in private mortuaries scattered all over the city.

The Reigners Bible Church International in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom state, was still under construction and workers had been rushing to finish it in time for Saturday's service, witnesses said.

Hundreds of people were inside when metal girders crashed onto worshippers and the corrugated iron roof caved in, they said.

Police spokeswoman Cordelia Nwawe said the incident happened during a bishop's ordination and local officials attending the ceremony escaped unhurt.

The Governor's spokesman, Ekerete Udoh, said there would be an investigation into whether safety standards were compromised.

Buildings collapse regularly in Nigeria because of endemic corruption with contractors using substandard materials and bribing inspectors.

In 2014, 116 people died when a multi-story guesthouse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations collapsed in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital.

Video posted to Facebook showed the aftermath of the collapse (warning: graphic content).