DETERMINED to check the menace of herdsmen and other security challenges in the state, the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council has resolved to employ the services of community vigilante groups.

After a crucial meeting yesterday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said there was need for a neighbourhood watch through vigilante groups and urged traditional rulers to pay more attention to the reconstitution of such groups in their communities.

The governor stressed the need to work out means of empowering these groups to perform more creditably and for them to be registered with the police.

“Kidnapping has been a thorny issue; we are going to take necessary measures to reduce it to its barest minimum.

“You would recall that we lost a traditional ruler and the one that was kidnapped has been released. So, we are taking it very seriously.

“The security agencies will meet with Security Council to take measures, but we have also discussed with our traditional rulers, who will go back to their communities and ensure that a strengthened vigilante group is able to assist the security agencies.”