A lightning strike on Sunday evening in Jooro area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, set a coconut tree ablaze, leaving people scampering for safety.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred in the area, which is on Asa-Dam Road.

NAN learnt that the lightning strike preceded a light shower which continued up to the early hours of Monday. An eyewitness, Mrs. Victoria Sodiq, told NAN that when the lightning struck, an "object like a 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."

Rainstorms caused much damage in the metropolis some weeks ago, rendering many homeless while properties were destroyed.