The Nigerian sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Oluwabukola Pereira, who was fatally shot 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 a suspected robbery incident at Arise Auto Center, where she worked.
Local reports indicated that the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the shooting, although officials are yet to confirm the exact motive behind the attack.
Speaking to local television station Marcella Porter TV, a staff member at the auto shop, Don Simpson, revealed that Pereira allegedly pursued a suspect who 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 expected to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with an MBA degree. The university also disclosed that she had secured admission for another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later this year.
In a statement, Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz paid tribute to Pereira, describing her as a woman admired for her “positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.”
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful, inside and out,” the statement read.
Aside from her academic achievements, Pereira was also active in sports and belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group, taking part in several competitions, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who devoted her life to worship, prayer and service to others.
Reports further revealed that Pereira, the first of four children, was preparing for her wedding later this year after getting engaged in 2025.
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office said the suspect is believed to be a Black or Hispanic male between the ages of 25 and 35, with long braided or dreadlocked hair. He was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.
