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

The Nigerian sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Oluwabukola Pereira, a Nigerian athlete and postgraduate student, who was shot dead in the United States just days before her scheduled graduation with a Master of Business Administration degree.

Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during an apparent robbery incident 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 allegedly chased after a suspect who fled with about $1,500 before she was shot.

“She was loyal, good and brave,” 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 disclosed that she had also 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 known for her positivity, strong faith and generosity.

“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.

Beyond academics, Pereira was also active in sports and belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group, participating in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.

Family members described her as “a bright and shining star” who devoted her life to prayer, worship 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 braided or dreadlocked hair. 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.