Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called for restraint and peace, in Abuja, following the ongoing clashes between the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, and Security Forces.

Saraki made this known on Tuesday night, via his Twitter handle.

He said: “From the reports I have received, the ongoing protest in Abuja is escalating, with significant loss of lives and damage to property. Right now, I call on the protesters and our Security agents, to exercise extreme restraint and tow the path of peace.”

Post-Nigeria recalls, that on Tuesday, made it the third day since the protest broke out in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

A Patrol van of the Nigeria Police was set ablaze in Abuja, on Tuesday, by suspected Shiite members.

For three days now, the IMN members, better known as Shiites, have been protesting the continued detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, their Leader.

The clashes have led to loss of lives, and left many injured.

Witnesses revealed that fresh trouble began on Tuesday, when the protesters proceeded towards Wuse 2, Abuja, amid heavy security presence.

The Security Personnel reportedly intercepted them, forcing the Shiites to pelt them with stones. The Security Operatives responded by firing several gunshots into the air, in an attempt to disperse them.

The incident which lasted well over an hour, caused chaos in the area, with passersby scampering for safety.

El-Zakzaky has been in the custody of the Department of State Security Services, DSS, since December 2015, despite several court orders for his release.

He was arrested at the time after his followers and some Soldiers, clashed in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Over 300 people were said to have been killed, as a result of the clash.