Iv bought a second hand iPad, I’m trying to set it up but it says activation lock? Please can you help

You will need the assistance of the previous owner. If you can't get that and if you bought it through a 3rd party (e.g., ebay) try to get a refund. There is no known way to bypass activation lock without the assistance of the previous owner. Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, or unless you can secure the cooperation of the previous owner, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. Without documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple won’t assist - and nobody here will be able to help you.

Sorry, but you’re short of options.

The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying … - Apple Community