At least 19 people have been killed in clashes between fishermen and herdsmen in Cameroon's Extreme-Nord Province, local governor Midjiyawa Bakari revealed on Tuesday.

The clashes in the Logone-et-Chari region began on Sunday between Mousgoum fishermen and Arabchoas cattle ranchers. Bakari explained that the conflict is rooted in a struggle for control of water resources and grazing land.

Cameroon's northern region has a history of ethnic tensions, but the recent clashes are the deadliest ever, according to local tribal leaders.