Ilorin — A late evening thunder strike ( lightning) on Sunday in Ilorin set a coconut tree ablaze, leaving the residents scampering for safety.

The incident occurred at Jooro area on Asa-Dam road.

The thunder strike preceded a light shower which continued up to the early hours of Monday.

An eyewitness, Mrs Victoria Sodiq, said that when the thunder struck, an "object like rocket" entered into the tree from the top and set it ablaze.

"The incident was strange and unbelievable. We all ran for safety because we never experienced such in our lives.

"All of us stayed glued watching the tree with surprise as smoke glowed from it.

"The flame burnt the fresh leaves into ashes with several branches falling down as a result of the blaze," she said

Another eyewitness, Alhaji Fatai Saliu, said: "the thunder struck and something came from the thunder like a rocket and entered the tree, and the fire started.

"I can't believe it. It is just the power of God. It is divine and I have never seen such incident in my life."

It will be recalled that rainstorm wreaked havoc in the metropolis some weeks ago, rendering many homeless while property were destroyed. NAN