The Nigerian community in the U.S. and at home is mourning Oluwabukola Pereira, a Nigerian athlete and graduate student who was shot dead in an apparent robbery days before her MBA graduation.
Pereira, 27, was killed on Friday, May 8, at Arise Auto Center in Hamilton County, where she worked.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, she was shot while chasing a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500.
“She was loyal, good and brave,” co-worker Don Simpson told Marcella Porter TV. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
Pereira was set to graduate with an MBA from Xavier University on May 16.
The university said she had also been admitted for a postgraduate program in Business Analytics starting later this year.
University President Colleen Hanycz described her as “a woman known for her positivity, deep faith and generous spirit,” adding that friends remembered her as “kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out.”
Beyond academics, Pereira was an active member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group and had competed in races including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her family said she was the first of four children and was engaged to be married later this year. They described her as “a bright and shining star” devoted to worship, prayer, and helping others.
The sheriff’s office said the suspect is a man aged 25-35, described as Black or Hispanic with long braids or dreadlocks, last seen running toward Gardner Park. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
The incident has drawn condolences from Nigerian students and athletes in the U.S., many of whom cited her drive and community involvement. [Edited story from Vanguard]
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
