The Nigerian sporting community is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of Oluwabukola Pereira, a vibrant 30-year-old athlete and dedicated graduate student who was fatally shot in the United States just days before her scheduled MBA graduation.
Pereira was killed on Friday, May 8, during what appeared to be a robbery at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she worked. According to reports, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched a full investigation into the incident, though authorities have yet to officially confirm the motive behind the shooting.
A colleague at the auto shop, Don Simpson, recounted the distressing events to local media, revealing that Pereira bravely attempted to chase a suspect who had fled with about $1,500 before she was shot. “She was loyal, good and brave,” Simpson said emotionally. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was set to graduate from Xavier University on Saturday, May 16, with a Master of Business Administration degree. The university also confirmed she had already secured admission into another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics scheduled for later this year.
In a heartfelt statement, Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz described Pereira as a woman known for her “positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.” Friends remembered her as kind, honest, intelligent, and beautiful inside and out.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Pereira was an active member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she competed in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon. Her grieving family described her as “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to worship, prayer, and helping others.
Elijah Adeyemi
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