Sadness have swept through Nigeria’s sporting community after a young athlete and graduate student was tragically killed in the United States just days before her university graduation.
Oluwabukola Pereira, a 30-year-old Nigerian athlete, was reportedly shot dead during an incident at her workplace in Ohio.
The heartbreaking tragedy happened shortly before she was expected to receive her MBA degree from Xavier University.
The sudden death has left family members, friends, teammates, and members of the Nigerian athletics community devastated. Moreover, many described the incident as painful because Pereira was preparing for a major milestone in her life.
According to reports monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, Pereira was killed on Friday, May 8, during an apparent robbery at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she worked.
Authorities from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are currently investigating the shooting. However, officials are yet to officially confirm the motive behind the attack.
A worker at the auto shop, Don Simpson, claimed Pereira attempted to stop a suspect who allegedly escaped with about $1,500 before she was shot.
“She was loyal, good and brave,” Mr Simpson said emotionally. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”
The tragic incident happened only days before Pereira’s scheduled graduation ceremony on May 16.
Furthermore, Xavier University confirmed that the Nigerian student had already secured admission for another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later this year.
In a statement released by the university president, Colleen Hanycz, Pereira was remembered for her positive character and strong faith.
“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.
Beyond academics, Pereira was also active in athletics. She belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group and participated in several competitions, including the Flying Pig Marathon.
Meanwhile, her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to worship, prayer, and helping others.
Speaking from Lagos, her grassroots coach, Rauf Abass, expressed deep pain over the
loss.
“She was humble, disciplined and dedicated to her dreams,” the coach said. “This is a huge loss. I pray for the repose of her soul and for God to grant her family the strength to bear this painful loss.”
Coach Abass also recalled how Pereira rose through athletics in Lagos under the Greater Tomorrow Athletics Club.
“Her fellow athletes also express their condolences, we will all miss her greatly,” he added.
PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Pereira was the first of four children and had reportedly planned to get married later this year after becoming engaged in 2025.
Meanwhile, police authorities have appealed to the public for information that could help identify the suspect connected to the shooting.
Investigators described the suspect as a man between 25 and 35 years old. He was reportedly seen fleeing toward the Gardner Park area shortly after the incident. Although investigations continue
