Nigerian Athlete Shot Dead In US Days Before MBA Graduation
A Nigerian athlete and graduate student, Oluwabukola Pereira, has been shot dead in the United States just days before completing her Master of Business Administration degree.
Pereira, 30, was reportedly killed during a suspected robbery at a car service centre in Lockland on May 8, where she worked as a cashier.
Authorities in Ohio said investigations into the incident are ongoing, while no arrest has been announced as of the time of filing this report.
According to her co-worker, Don Simpson, the suspected robber allegedly fled with about $1,500 after attacking the business.
Simpson said Pereira chased after the suspect before she was shot twice.
“So the guy came in and robbed her, and when he ran, she ran behind him. And when they got to the back, he shot her,” he said.
Pereira was a middle-distance runner from Lagos and had competed in several athletics championships in Nigeria before relocating to the United States.
At the time of her death, she was pursuing an MBA at Xavier University and was said to be only a few days away from graduation.
Her journey to the United States was reportedly supported by James Lafferty, former Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola West Africa, who discovered her athletic talent while in Lagos.
Lafferty said Pereira arrived in the United States with just $10 and a scholarship opportunity.
Before enrolling for her MBA, Pereira obtained a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University and later earned a master’s degree in communication from University of Texas at El Paso.
Police authorities said investigations into the killing are still ongoing.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
