Nigerian athlete killed in US days before MBA graduation ceremony

The Nigerian sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Oluwabukola Pereira, who was shot dead in the United States just a few days before she was expected to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree.

Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during what authorities suspect was a robbery attack at Arise Auto Center, where she worked.

Local reports said the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, although officials are yet to officially confirm the motive behind the killing.

A worker at the auto shop, Don Simpson, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira attempted to chase a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500 before she was shot.

“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 scheduled to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with an MBA degree. The university said she had also gained 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, deep faith and generous spirit.”

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

Beyond academics, Pereira was an active athlete and member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, participating in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.

Her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to worship, prayer and helping others.

It was gathered that Pereira was the first of four children and was preparing to marry later this year after becoming engaged in 2025.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect is a man believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, described as Black or Hispanic, with long hair worn in braids or dreadlocks. He was last seen running toward the Gardner Park area.

Authorities have urged anyone with useful information to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.

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