Oluwabukola Pereira, Nigerian Athlete shot dead in US days before graduation

Oluwabukola Pereira, a Nigerian athlete and postgraduate student, has been shot dead in the United States just days before she was due to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree, in a tragic incident that has sparked grief across the Nigerian sporting and diaspora communities.

Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during what authorities believe was a robbery incident at Arise Auto Center, where she worked in Cincinnati, Ohio.

According to local reports, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the shooting, although officials have yet to formally establish a motive behind the attack.

Don Simpson, a co-worker at the auto shop, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira was shot after attempting to pursue a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500 from the business premises.

“She was loyal, good and brave. She came to this country trying to build a good life”, Simpson said while reflecting on the late Nigerian’s character.

Pereira’s death has sparked grief among friends, colleagues, members of the Nigerian diaspora community and sports enthusiasts who knew her as a dedicated athlete, scholar and woman of strong faith.

Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was preparing to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with an MBA degree.

The institution disclosed that she had also secured admission for another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics scheduled to commence later this year.

In a statement issued after her death, Colleen Hanycz, Xavier University President, described Pereira as an exceptional individual whose life touched many within the university community.

“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful , inside and out,” the statement read, adding that she was widely admired for her positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Pereira was deeply involved in athletics and fitness activities.

She was a member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group and had participated in several long-distance races, including the popular Flying Pig Marathon.

Family members described her as “a bright and shining star” who devoted her life to worship, prayer and helping people around her.

Sources close to the family revealed that Pereira was the first of four children and had recently become engaged in 2025, with plans underway for her wedding later this year before tragedy struck.

Meanwhile, investigators say the suspect linked to the fatal shooting remains at large.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office described the suspect as a man believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, identified as either Black or Hispanic, with long braided hair or dreadlocks.

Authorities said he was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area shortly after the incident.

Law enforcement officials have appealed to members of the public with useful information to contact Crime Stoppers as efforts intensify to track down the suspect and unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.