Governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi yesterday declared intention to recruit over 650 vigilante groups to assist police and other security agencies in forestalling breakdown of law and order in the rural areas.

Umahi represented by the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Barr. Samuel Okoronkwo, made this known during an enlarged security meeting at the Akanu Ibiam international conference centre.

In attendance were representatives of the Army, SSS, Civil Defence, Chairmen of the 13 local government Areas, town union executives and traditional rulers.

He noted that the essence of the recruitment was to provide adequate security in the rural areas, especially in the ember months.

In a remark, the commissioner of police, Ebonyi state command CP, TItus Lamorde, lamented the increase in child kidnapping and car snatching in the state.

Lamorde called on traditional rulers and chairmen of local government areas to assist the command in the fight against cultism and kidnapping.

He said: “In recent times, we are faced with the issue of child kidnapping, car snatching and cultism and as such we need to be our brothers’ keepers.”

The commissioner revealed that the command recovered a great number of arms within the year.

He also charged the chairmen of local government areas to intensify effort with police in ensuring that road users and residents enjoy peace.