Owerri — Economic and social activities were, Wednesday, disrupted for hours in Owerri, Imo State capital, following the peaceful protest by scores of Umuonyeche villagers, over the death of their daughter, Rita Ogbonna, who was allegedly killed by her male friend, Ikay (surname withheld) alias Zabi, from Amawom village.

Vanguard investigations revealed that Ikay had gone to the home of his 42-year-old girlfriend, picked her and drove her to World Bank Housing Estate where a quarrel later ensued which resulted into a fight.

It was during the fight that Rita allegedly died and her corpse was later deposited in a morgue by Ikay.

Although it was not clear at press time, what caused the misunderstanding, but it was, however, gathered that Rita and Ikay had been very close friends for about 11 years.

One of the youth leaders in Umuonyeche, who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "On getting wind of the sad happening, our youths organised themselves and went on a peaceful demonstration, which equally served as a search for the fleeing man."

He explained that as soon as the fleeing Ikay was nabbed, he was quickly handed over to the Crack Squad of Imo State Police Command.