Nigerian athlete shot dead in US days before MBA graduation
The Nigerian sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Nigerian athlete, Oluwabukola Pereira, who was shot dead in the United States just days before she was scheduled to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree.
Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during a suspected robbery at Arise Auto Center, where she worked.
According to local reports, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, although authorities have yet to officially confirm the motive behind the shooting.
A worker at the auto shop, Don Simpson, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira was shot after attempting to pursue a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500.
“She was loyal, good and brave,” Mr Simpson said. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was expected to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with an MBA degree.
The university also disclosed that she had secured admission to begin another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later this year.
In a statement, Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz described Pereira as a woman remembered for her “positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.”
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.
Beyond her academic achievements, Pereira was actively involved in athletics and was a member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she participated in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who devoted her life to worship, prayer and helping others.
It was also gathered that Pereira, the first of four children, was preparing for her wedding later this year after getting engaged in 2025.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect is believed to be a man between the ages of 25 and 35, described as Black or Hispanic, with long hair styled in braids or dreadlocks. He was last seen running toward the Gardner Park area.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public with useful information to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.
