The Nigerian sporting and academic communities have been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Oluwabukola Pereira, a Nigerian woman who was shot dead in the United States just days before completing her Master of Business Administration programme.
Pereira, who had been scheduled to graduate from Xavier University on May 16, was killed on Friday, May 8, during what authorities believe was a robbery at Arise Auto Center in the US state of Ohio, where she was employed.
Local authorities say the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, although the exact motive behind the shooting has not yet been officially confirmed.
According to eyewitness accounts, Pereira attempted to pursue a suspect who allegedly fled the scene with about $1,500 before she was fatally shot.
A colleague at the auto centre, Don Simpson, described her as courageous and deeply committed to her work, saying she tried to stop the attacker despite the danger.
“She was loyal, good and brave. She came to this country trying to build a good life,” Simpson told local media outlet Marcella Porter TV.
Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was on the verge of completing her MBA at Xavier University and had already secured admission for a postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later in the year.
In a statement, Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz paid tribute to her, describing her as a vibrant student known for her warmth, faith, and positive energy.
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement said.
Beyond academics, Pereira was also active in athletics and was a member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she participated in competitive events including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Her family has described her as “a bright and shining star” who lived a life centred on faith, prayer, and service to others. She was the eldest of four children and had reportedly become engaged in 2025, with plans to marry later this year.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect is a male aged between 25 and 35, described as either Black or Hispanic, with long braided or dreadlocked hair. He was last seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area after the attack.
Authorities have urged members of the public with any information to assist ongoing investigations through Crime Stoppers as efforts continue to track down the suspect.
