I can’t locate the previous owner to unlock the iPad

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.

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

Unless the Apple ID involved is yours, you won't be able to use that iPad. The activation lock is an anti-theft measure.

If you're having trouble logging into your own account, you're probably better off addressing that directly.

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Then that iPad is a useless, electronic paperweight/tray/brick!

User Activation lock is anti-theft, personal data protection/privacy feature that cannot ever be circumvented.

That iPad is a completely useless device to you.

Sorry.

Nothing you can do