Nigerian athlete Oluwabukola Pereira shot dead in Ohio days before MBA graduation
Oluwabukola Pereira, a 30-year-old Nigerian athlete and graduate student, was shot dead on Friday, May 8, 2026, while chasing a robbery suspect at Arise Auto Center in Lockland, Ohio, where she worked. A coworker reported Pereira pursued the suspect who fled with approximately $1,500 before being shot; the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office confirms the shooting but states investigators have not yet officially confirmed a motive.
Pereira was due to graduate from Xavier University with her Master of Business Administration degree on Saturday, May 16, 2026, just two days after her death. She had also secured admission for a postgraduate program in Business Analytics later this year. Originally from Lagos, Pereira was an active member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group, participating in races including the Flying Pig Marathon, and was described by her university as embodying 'positivity, deep faith and generous spirit.' She was engaged to be married later in 2026 and was the first of four children.
Her grassroots coach Rauf Abass expressed profound shock, calling her 'humble, disciplined and dedicated to her dreams.' Authorities continue investigating, appealing for public information via Crime Stoppers, and have described the suspect as a Black or Hispanic male aged 25-35 with long hair in braids or dreadlocks last seen heading toward Gardner Park area.