34 people have been feared killed when an illegal petrol depot exploded in Benin Republic near the border with Nigeria.

This was made known to newsmen on Saturday by the Interior Minister, Alassane Seidou.

He told journalists: “A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji.

“Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.”

According to Seidou, another 20 people were being treated in hospital, including some in a serious condition.

Nigeria is a major oil and gas producer and fuel smuggling is common along its borders.