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Thirty-year-old Nigerian athlete and graduate student, Oluwabukola Pereira, popularly known as Bukky, was tragically shot and killed during a suspected robbery at her workplace in Lockland, Ohio, United States, on May 8, 2026. Her death came just days before she was due to receive her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Xavier University.
According to local reports, Bukky was working at Arise Auto Center near Wayne Street in Lockland, a suburb of Cincinnati, when an armed suspect allegedly stole approximately $1,500 from the business. Witnesses said she pursued the suspect outside in an attempt to stop the theft before she was fatally shot.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is currently leading the homicide investigation and has appealed to the public for surveillance footage and information that could help identify the shooter.
Bukky Pereira’s death came only eight days before her scheduled graduation ceremony on May 16. In honour of her achievements, Xavier University presented her posthumous MBA degree to her family during the commencement ceremony.
Originally from Lagos, she was widely admired for her athletic talent and determination. She made a strong impact on the Cincinnati running community, notably winning the 2024 Flying Pig 5K race and finishing fourth in this year’s edition. Her journey to the United States began in 2010 when she participated in a foot race in Lagos organised by former Coca-Cola West Africa CEO, James Michael Lafferty, alongside the Lagos mayor. At just 15 years old, Pereira reportedly raced barefoot through the streets of Lagos and defeated both organisers during the competition.
Impressed by her talent, Lafferty connected with Pereira’s family and encouraged them to support her academic and athletic ambitions in the United States. He later sponsored her relocation and education.
After relocating to the U.S. with a scholarship and limited financial resources, Bukky attended multiple institutions and built an impressive academic record. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University and later obtained a master’s degree in communication from University of Texas at El Paso. She was also planning to pursue another master’s degree in business analytics later this year.
