Step Rights Magazine Pralarg Magazine
Related Articles
A Nigerian athlete and graduate student, Oluwabukola Pereira, has been shot dead during a suspected robbery at a car service centre in Lockland, United States, in a tragedy that has sparked grief among members of the Nigerian and academic communities.
Pereira, 30, was working as a cashier at the service centre when the incident occurred on May 8. According to reports from colleagues, an armed assailant allegedly stormed the business, stole about $1,500, and fatally shot her while fleeing the scene.
The late middle-distance runner was pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Xavier University and was reportedly just days away from graduation before her death.
A co-worker, Don Simpson, recounted the horrifying moment, saying Pereira attempted to pursue the suspect after the robbery.
“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,” Simpson said.
Authorities in Ohio have confirmed that investigations into the shooting are ongoing, although officials have not yet publicly announced a confirmed motive or identified a suspect.
Born in Lagos, Pereira was known for her achievements in athletics, particularly in middle-distance running, where she competed in several national competitions in Nigeria before relocating to the United States.
Her journey to America was reportedly made possible through the support of James Lafferty, former CEO of Coca-Cola West Africa, who discovered her athletic talent during his time in Nigeria.
According to Lafferty, Pereira arrived in the United States with only $10 and a scholarship opportunity, eventually building an impressive academic and athletic profile.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University before obtaining a master’s degree in communication from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Friends and supporters have since described Pereira as hardworking, ambitious, and determined, noting that her death came at a moment when she was preparing to celebrate another major academic milestone.
The incident has renewed concerns over gun violence and workplace security in parts of the United States, particularly involving service workers exposed to armed robberies.
Police authorities continue to appeal for information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the suspect responsible for the killing.
