A small girl was used by a terrorist group as a suicide bomber Friday in a crowded park in central Africa.

UNICEF reports five children under the age of 14 were among those killed.

The attack, which took place in the town of Mozogo in Cameroon, claimed the lives of 15 people.

It is believed the girl was being used by Boko Haram, a jihadist terrorist organization. Prior to the attack, men from the group entered the town and shot randomly in the area, according to International Christian Concern.

Many people fled to the park to avoid the shooting.

UNICEF executive director Henrietta Fore says she is deeply concerned about the growing number of attacks against civilians in areas of Cameroon.

"The rise in violence has exacerbated a national humanitarian crisis and there are now an estimated 3.2 million children in need across the country," Fore says.

Fore adds that conditions for civilians have only been made worse due to mass school closures, illness, and socioeconomic impacts caused by COVID-19.

It is unknown if the girl involved in the attack was a willing participant.

Cameroon is listed as having high levels of Islamic oppression and is on Open Doors USA's World Watch List for religious persecution.