Authorities in the United States are investigating the killing of Nigerian middle-distance athlete and graduate student Oluwabukola Pereira, who was shot dead during an alleged robbery in Lockland, Ohio, days before she was due to complete her MBA studies.
The 30-year-old, who specialized in the 800 metres and 1500 metres events, was killed on May 8 at the Arise Auto Center in the 500 block of North Wayne Avenue, where she worked.
In a statement on X, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office said that the shooting triggered a temporary shelter-in-place order as officers secured the area and warned residents to avoid nearby streets during the initial phase of the investigation. The coroner confirmed she died at the scene from gunshot injuries.
According to local media, detectives have since appealed for surveillance footage from residents and businesses in Lockland and neighbouring Lincoln Heights. “Detectives are asking residents and business owners in both Lockland and nearby Lincoln Heights to review any available surveillance footage, including Ring camera video, for possible evidence captured between the hours of 12:30 and 3 p.m.,” WCPO Cincinnati reported.
Investigators also described the suspect as a Black man of heavy build, reportedly wearing grey sweatpants and a black top or sweatshirt, and possibly a long black wig, who fled towards a creek behind the business.
Pereira represented Nigeria in middle-distance athletics and built her career across both domestic and international competitions. She held a personal best of 2:12.68 in the 800 metres, achieved in Warrensburg, Missouri in May 2019, and 4:39.57 in the 1500 metres, recorded on the same day and venue.
