A church roof has collapsed in southeastern Nigeria killing at least 60 people, with local media reporting the death toll to be much higher.

The evangelical Reigners Bible Ministry in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom state, was packed with worshippers when the roof, which was still under construction, collapsed, local media said on Saturday.

Bodies of at least 60 victims have been retrieved, according to a rescue official who spoke to the AP news agency on condition of anonymity.

Governor Udom Emmanuel was also reported to be inside when metal girders crashed onto worshippers and the corrugated iron roof caved in. He did not take any injuries in the incident.

"We have never had such a shocking incident in the history of our dear state," Emmanuel said on his Facebook page.

The governor's spokesman, Ekerete Udoh, said the state government will hold an inquiry to investigate if anyone compromised building standards.

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed his condolences "over the many deaths and injury recorded following the incident," presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement.

The state-run Nigerian News Agency said "between 50 and 200" people could have been killed, adding that a rescue operation was under way.

In September 2014, 115 people including 84 South Africans, were killed in Lagos in the collapse of a church belonging to the famous televangelist TB Joshua.

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