US-Based Nigerian Athlete Shot Dead Weeks Before Wedding And Graduation

US-Based Nigerian Athlete Shot Dead Weeks Before Wedding And Graduation

By Admin 

A Nigerian athlete and postgraduate student, Oluwabukola Pereira, has been shot dead in the United States just days before she was due to graduate with a Master of Business Administration degree, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday, May 8, during an alleged robbery 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 establish an official motive for the shooting.

A co-worker, Don Simpson, alleged that Pereira attempted to pursue a suspect who fled with approximately $1,500 before she was shot.

Describing her as “loyal, good and brave,” Simpson said the Nigerian national had been committed to building a better future for herself in the United States.

Pereira, who was originally from Nigeria, had been scheduled to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with an MBA degree.

The university also confirmed that she had recently gained admission into another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics.

In a tribute, Xavier University president Colleen Hanycz described Pereira as a student known for her positivity, strong faith and generous personality.

Friends and colleagues also remembered her as intelligent, hardworking and compassionate.

Beyond academics, Pereira was an active athlete and a member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she participated in several competitions, including the Flying Pig Marathon.

Her family described her as a “bright and shining star” who had been preparing for marriage following her engagement in 2025.

Authorities said the suspect is believed to be a man between the ages of 25 and 35, described as Black or Hispanic, with long hair styled in braids or dreadlocks.

Investigators added that he was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area as efforts to identify and apprehend him continue.