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The Nigerian sporting community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Oluwabukola Pereira, a 30-year-old athlete and graduate student who was shot dead in the United States just days before her scheduled MBA graduation.<\/p>\n
Pereira was reportedly killed on Friday 8 May, during an apparent robbery at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she worked.<\/p>\n
According to local reports monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, although authorities are yet to officially confirm a motive for the shooting.<\/p>\n
\n A worker at the auto shop, Don Simpson, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira tried to chase a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500 before she was shot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “She was loyal, good and brave,” Mr Simpson said while reacting emotionally to the incident. “She came to this country trying to build a good life.”<\/p>\n Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was due to graduate from Xavier University last Saturday 16 May with a Master of Business Administration degree. The university disclosed that she had also secured admission to continue another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later this year.<\/p>\n In a statement released by the university president, Colleen Hanycz, Pereira was described as a woman known for her “positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.”<\/p>\n “Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Beyond academics, Pereira was also active in athletics and belonged to Cincinnati’s Elite running group, where she participated in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.<\/p>\n Her grieving family described her as “a bright and shining star” who devoted her life to worship, prayer and helping others.<\/p>\n Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES from Lagos, Pereira’s grassroot coach Rauf Abass expressed deep shock over the tragic development, describing her death as painful and heartbreaking.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Pereira broke into limelight in Lagos under the watch of Coach Abass as his then Greater Tomorrow Athletics Club.<\/p>\n “Her fellow athletes also express their condolences, we will all miss her greatly” the coach added.<\/p>\n
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