Activation lock with new iPad Mini 2

I recently purchased a used iPad mini 2 from a local game/ repair shop and replaced the cracked screen from it's previous owner. As I was setting up my new iPad I came across an activation lock with someones iCloud account on it. I went back to the store and they said there was nothing they could do about it and the receipt even stated that I could not return the item once I had bought it. They told me to contact Apple to see if there was anything they could do and said when they bought the iPad off the previous owner that everything was clear and they didn't have any issues.

I've read that you need the original owners info to have it unlocked but I don't know who they are and have no way to reach them. Is there any way I could have this removed?

The nearest Apple store is over an hour drive from my location.