Nigerian Athlete Shot Dead in U.S. Days Before MBA Graduation

Nigerian athlete and graduate student Oluwabukola Pereira was tragically shot dead during a suspected robbery in Ohio, United States, just days before her MBA graduation, leaving her family, friends, and the sports community in mourning.

The Nigerian athletics community is mourning the death of Oluwabukola Pereira, a 30-year-old athlete and graduate student who was shot dead in the United States just days before she was scheduled to receive her MBA degree.

Pereira reportedly died on May 8 during a suspected robbery incident at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she worked. Authorities from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office have since launched an investigation into the shooting, although the motive has not yet been officially confirmed.

According to reports, Pereira allegedly attempted to stop or pursue a suspect who escaped with about $1,500 before she was shot. A colleague at the auto shop, Don Simpson, emotionally described her as brave, loyal, and hardworking, noting that she came to America in search of a better future.

Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was expected to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with a Master of Business Administration degree. The university also disclosed that she had secured admission to begin another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later in the year.

The president of the university, Colleen Hanycz, praised Pereira’s character in an official statement, describing her as a woman filled with positivity, faith, and generosity. Friends and associates also remembered her as intelligent, honest, kind, and beautiful inside and out.

Aside from her academic achievements, Pereira was actively involved in sports and belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group. She participated in several athletic events, including the Flying Pig Marathon, earning admiration from fellow athletes and members of the running community.

Her family described her as a shining light who dedicated her life to worship, prayer, and helping others. They also revealed that she was the first of four children and was preparing for marriage later this year after becoming engaged in 2025.

Speaking from Lagos, her grassroots coach, Rauf Abass, expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy. He described Pereira as humble, disciplined, and determined to succeed, adding that her death was a painful loss to everyone who knew her.

Coach Abass also recalled that Pereira rose to prominence in Lagos while training under his Greater Tomorrow Athletics Club. He added that her fellow athletes were deeply saddened by the incident and would greatly miss her presence.

Meanwhile, police authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the suspect, who was described as a man aged between 25 and 35 with braided or dreadlocked hair. Investigators said he was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area after the shooting.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PREMIUMTIMES