Activations lock from previous owner

The iPad is useless to you - unless you are independently able to contact the previous owner.

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, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

As you are not the original owner, Apple will not assist with removal of an Activation Lock.

If you still wish to contact Apple, you’ll need to use the Get Support link at top-right of this page.