Police have been deployed to a remote area in Nigeria's North-Eastern state of Taraba following deadly ethnic clashes over a disputed fishing pond.

At least 19 people have been killed in the violence on Sunday, according to Taraba State's police spokesperson.

Some reports suggest the number of people killed was higher with many others wounded on both sides.

Dozens of homes have also been burnt down.

In Nigeria, many residents of riverine areas rely on small scale fishing activities to earn a living.

There has been a longstanding tension between Shomo and Jole ethnic communities with each claiming ownership of the fishing pond in Lau area of Taraba state which they rely on to earn a living.

This has led to occasional violent clashes before.